A casino is a gambling establishment where various games of chance are played. It often offers a variety of other entertainment, such as restaurants, stage shows and dramatic scenery. Often, casinos provide free drinks, although the ability to gamble effectively can be impaired by alcohol.

Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in ancient archaeological sites. But the modern concept of a casino emerged in the 16th century during a gambling craze in Europe, with Italian aristocrats holding private parties at places called ridotti where they could gamble and socialize. These venues were technically illegal, but they did not attract police attention and were tolerated.

Today, casino gambling is generally a highly regulated activity. While casinos offer a wide range of games, most of their profits come from a small number of high-rollers who make bets in the tens of thousands of dollars. These high rollers often have their own rooms and receive special treatment from casino staff.

Security is another major concern for casino owners. Cameras and other technological devices are used to monitor players and prevent cheating. But much of the security work is done by people, who look for routines and patterns that might signal cheating. For example, dealers at table games are trained to notice a player palming or marking cards or dice. Pit bosses watch over the table with a broader view and spot unusual betting patterns that may indicate cheating.