A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment offering various types of entertainment based on chance. Gambling has been popular throughout history in many cultures, and it continues to be an important part of some modern economies. The word casino derives from the Latin casus, meaning “house”. Casinos are often combined with hotels and restaurants, or they may be standalone. They usually have a high ceiling and an open floor plan. Gaming machines are arranged around the perimeter of the casino, while table games (such as blackjack or roulette) are run by dealers and croupiers.

Historically, casinos were located in urban areas, but as the industry developed it became possible to build more remote facilities. In the United States, legal casino gambling began in Atlantic City in 1978, and in the 1980s it became common for Native American tribes to operate casinos on their reservations.

The biggest casinos in the world are known for their indulgent amenities, including top-notch hotels, luxury dining and a wide selection of gambling opportunities. In addition to the usual slot and table games, these facilities offer an array of other entertainment options, such as live music, theater productions, stand-up comedy, and more.

Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To deter this, most casinos use security measures to monitor activities and detect any anomalies. These typically include a physical security force and specialized surveillance departments.