The security of a casino begins on the floor. Employees keep watch over the games and casino patrons. Dealers keep an eye on their own games, but are trained to notice if someone is cheating. Other key players in a casino, such as table managers and pit bosses, watch the betting and shuffle patterns. There are higher-ups watching all of these employees. They can spot cheating or any other behavior that may make someone lose track of time.

The casino operates under a mathematical expectation that each player will win a certain amount. While patrons cannot win more money than the casino is able to pay, each game has a mathematical expectation of winning. Thus, casinos seldom lose money on any game. To keep players satisfied, casinos often provide extravagant inducements like reduced-fares transportation or free drinks or cigarettes to big bettors. The house edge represents the average profit margin of the casino. The longer you play, the higher your risk of losing money.

While casinos are generally geared toward gambling, they do not exclusively offer it. Some casinos even host live entertainment. These venues can be located near popular tourist attractions. While casinos may offer gambling as the main attraction, there is considerable controversy over the social and economic effects of this industry. The establishment of casinos has been associated with high unemployment rates and budget deficits in many states. The first legal casino opened in Baden, Switzerland in 1765. In the same century, some casinos host live entertainment, including concerts and shows.