A casino, or gambling house, is a place where people play games of chance for money. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has been popular throughout history in almost every culture. In modern times, casinos have developed into entertainment centers and tourist attractions in their own right. Some are extremely large and famous, such as the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Many are combined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and other facilities to create complexes that are often referred to as resorts.

A wide variety of gaming options are available at most casinos. These include table games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps. Some offer video poker and other electronic games. Many casinos also feature live entertainment. In addition to the gambling floor, many casinos have bars and restaurants where customers can relax between games. Some even have swimming pools, bowling alleys, and other recreational activities.

Security is a major concern at casinos. Some use cameras to monitor activities, and most employ a uniformed staff to patrol the property. Some have catwalks built into the ceiling, allowing security personnel to look directly down on the tables through one-way glass. Others use sophisticated technology to supervise game play; for example, in the case of slot machines, the chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casinos to oversee exactly how much is wagered on each machine minute by minute. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect statistical deviations from expected results.