A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops or other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies. The term can also refer to a private club for members only.

While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers are staples of the casino experience, the bottom line is that casinos would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other games provide the billions of dollars in profits that casinos rake in every year.

The most famous casino in the world is probably the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The hotel/casino has been featured in countless movies and is considered the ultimate destination for those seeking glamour and high roller status. Other famous casinos include the Monte Carlo in Monaco, the Casino de Lisboa in Lisbon, and the Casino at Baden-Baden in Germany.

Gambling has been part of human culture for millennia, with the earliest evidence dating back to 2300 BC in China. Dice games came into being in 500 AD, and card games followed shortly after.

Modern casinos are often heavily guarded and patrolled by a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that operates closed circuit television, known as “eye in the sky”. Both of these departments work closely together to prevent crime. Nevertheless, the nature of casino gambling makes it susceptible to cheating and theft by both patrons and employees.