A casino, also known as a gambling establishment or a gaming room, is a building or large room where people can gamble and enjoy various types of entertainment. Most casinos have games of chance and some have an element of skill. Most casinos have a set of rules that must be followed by players to ensure fair play. Casinos have security measures such as cameras and a physical barrier, and some have catwalks over the tables where surveillance personnel can look down through one-way glass.

Most casinos offer several popular gambling games including blackjack, poker, video poker, and craps. Some casinos specialize in particular games. For example, some casinos only have sic bo (which originated in China during the 1990s and spread to European and American casinos), fan-tan, or pai gow. In some casinos, customers can also place bets on horse races or sporting events. The casino usually earns money by charging a commission, called the rake, on some games.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first gained fame as a playground for Europe’s elite 150 years ago, drawing royalty and aristocracy to its lavish casinos. Today, the city’s casinos live up to that surface decadence with opulent furnishings and overflowing bars.

The MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip is a storied gambling den that attracts hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies alike. In addition to the usual range of game tables and slot machines, this casino features a lively area for sports betting with 60 large plasma TVs. Bets can be placed on American football, boxing, and martial arts, among other things.