Countless operations are executed on a daily basis in a casino, from running and managing games to offering bonuses and handling various forms of payments. Typically, each of these different systems is managed by its own dedicated software application. The seamless operation of these applications, however, requires an integrated environment. This is often referred to as a casino management system (CMS).

In addition to the obvious need for security personnel and systems to prevent cheating, many casinos employ advanced technology to monitor patrons and the game tables. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry communicate with electronic systems in the table to enable the casino to oversee exactly how much money is being wagered minute by minute and warn staff immediately of any anomalies; roulette wheels are electronically monitored for statistical deviations. Many casinos also offer traditional Far Eastern games, such as sic bo (which spread to several European and American casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan, and pai gow.

Casinos are often located in or near hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and/or other tourist attractions. Some casinos even host high-profile entertainment events, from high-flying circus acts to the latest musician concerts topping Billboard charts. As the popularity of gambling has increased around the world, so have the facilities to accommodate it. Ultra-modern and palatial, these facilities can rival the size of many 5-star hotel complexes in terms of indoor space and acreage. The casino industry generates billions of dollars annually and continues to attract a larger public, despite the fact that most people who gamble walk away with less than they started with.