A casino (also known as a gaming house or gambling establishment) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are usually licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. In addition to gambling, some casinos also offer live entertainment such as stand-up comedy, music, and sports.

The precise origin of gambling is not known, but it is believed to have existed in many societies throughout history, including ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. In modern times, casinos have become increasingly popular as legalized gambling has spread to more countries and jurisdictions. The first modern casinos were large, luxurious facilities that featured a wide variety of games and a high level of service.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. The largest concentration of casinos is in Las Vegas, Nevada, which ranks as the world’s leading gambling center by revenue. Other large gambling cities include Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Chicago.

Because casinos handle large amounts of money, they are prone to theft and cheating. Hence, security is a vital aspect of casino operation. Most casinos have a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. Using closed-circuit television, these departments can monitor and record the activities of patrons and employees. In addition, casinos have rules of conduct and behavior that discourage cheating and stealing by players or staff.