A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment where people can gamble. Casinos range from large, luxurious resorts to small card rooms. The games played in casinos are primarily games of chance, although some have an element of skill. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state law. Many casinos generate billions of dollars a year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. In addition, successful casinos can bring in tax revenues for local governments.

Gambling has probably existed as long as humans have. Cave drawings of dice-like objects and carved knuckle bones have been found in some of the earliest archaeological sites. The modern casino has its origins in the 19th century. Casino gambling first appeared in Nevada, and spread to other states when it was legalized. In the US, a casino is usually located within or combined with a hotel, restaurant, retail shops, or other tourist attraction. Many casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports competitions.

Casinos have a variety of security measures to protect their patrons and property. Because of the large amounts of money involved, a casino is a tempting target for both cheaters and thieves. In addition to a trained security staff, most casinos use high-tech surveillance systems. These “eyes in the sky” allow security personnel to watch all areas of the casino simultaneously. They can spot suspicious patrons and track their movements. In the 21st century, casinos are increasingly focusing their investments on high-stakes players. These gamblers are often offered luxury inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, luxurious living quarters, reduced-fare transportation, and exclusive services.

While casino gambling is not without risk, most patrons do not experience significant problems. According to a 2005 survey conducted by Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS, 24% of Americans had visited a casino in the previous year. The survey included face-to-face interviews with 2,000 American adults and a questionnaire mailed to 100,000 households.

Casinos typically offer a wide variety of table and slot machines. They may also feature a race book and/or sports betting. Some casinos specialize in specific types of games, such as Asian-style games like sic bo and baccarat or American favorites like poker and blackjack. Regardless of the type of game, all casino gamblers must follow some basic rules to minimize their risk and maximize their enjoyment. These include: