A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming room, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It is also a place where entertainment, such as music and shows, can be enjoyed. In the United States, casinos are heavily regulated and audited by government agencies. Many are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail stores, and other tourist attractions. There are several types of gambling games in a casino, including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and slot machines. Some casinos also offer more esoteric games, such as pai gow poker and sic bo.

The exact origins of gambling are unknown, but it is believed to have existed in almost all societies. Some of the earliest recorded examples include lottery-like games in Ancient Mesopotamia, Roman Egypt, and Elizabethan England. Modern casinos have evolved into large entertainment complexes, with games ranging from traditional table games to electronic games such as slot machines and video poker. In addition, most casinos serve alcoholic beverages and food.

Casinos earn money through the ‘rake’, or a percentage of each bet that is made on a game. They may also generate revenue through’sharking’, or collecting bets from defeated players. In addition, some casinos use technology to oversee the games. For example, some betting chips have built-in microcircuitry to allow them to be tracked minute-by-minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to quickly detect any statistical deviation from expected results. Despite these measures, some patrons and employees may attempt to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To prevent this, most casinos have security cameras throughout the facility.