A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and keno. Some casinos also feature entertainment, such as shows and bars. Casinos are most often found in cities with large populations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They can also be found on American Indian reservations, where state laws do not prohibit gambling.

Gambling has existed in some form or another throughout human history. People have always been fascinated by the thrill of winning and the possibility of losing it all. Many civilizations have included gaming as part of their social fabric, including ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Modern casinos are designed to appeal to the senses and offer a wide variety of games and gambling opportunities. They are often massive and feature stunning decor and a mindblowing number of games, including slots, table games, and poker rooms. Many also feature high-end restaurants and hotels, non-gambling activities, and spas.

Given the high amounts of money involved in casinos, security is a top priority. In addition to security cameras, most casinos employ a host of other measures to ensure that patrons are not cheating or stealing, either in collusion or on their own. Dealers are trained to spot a variety of techniques, from palming to marking cards or dice. Pit bosses and table managers watch over the tables with a more broad perspective, looking for betting patterns that might signal cheating.