A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance and, in some cases, skill. Customers gamble cash or casino chips on various possible random outcomes or combinations of outcomes, and the house usually keeps a percentage of the money betted. Many casinos also feature live entertainment and other amenities to attract customers.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, with the earliest evidence dating back to 2300 BC China. The modern casino first appeared in the United States during the 1980s on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling laws.

Today, the most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bellagio, for example, is known worldwide for its luxurious decor and its huge slot machines that can win up to $2 million on a single spin. Some casinos have security measures that are more sophisticated than others, such as catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to see what is happening on the floor from above, and closed circuit television systems that monitor activity throughout the property.

Casinos are expected to make a profit from their gambling operations, although some casinos lose money for long periods of time. This is because, for the most part, casino patrons are required to place bets within a certain limit, and casinos cannot accept bets greater than they can afford to pay out winnings. To offset this, casinos regularly offer extravagant inducements to big bettors, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxury hotel rooms and suites, reduced-fare transportation and exclusive food and beverage service.