A casino, also known as a gambling house or gaming establishment, is a place where people can play various games of chance for money. A casino may offer a variety of amenities such as restaurants, entertainment, free drinks or other perks. The casino industry is heavily regulated by governments around the world. Some countries have banned casino gambling completely, while others endorse it to some extent and regulate it.

Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archaeological sites. The modern casino developed in the 16th century, during a gambling craze that swept Europe. Italian nobles gathered in private gambling clubs called ridotti, where they played cards and dice. These early casinos were not open to the general public, but only to members of the club who paid an entrance fee.

In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state law. Nevada holds the distinction of being the first state to legalize casino gambling in 1931, and other states have since followed suit. Casinos provide a variety of jobs to the local economy, including positions for dealers, cashiers and security workers. Casinos are also major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal. To counter this, casinos employ a wide range of security measures, from cameras to highly trained staff. In addition, many casinos have a high-tech “eye in the sky” system that allows security personnel to monitor every table and window from a room off the casino floor.