A casino (or gambling house) is a building or room where people play games of chance. These games can include card games, dice games, slot machines, and table games like blackjack and roulette. Casinos are also known for providing entertainment through live music and shows. Some casinos are located in major cities, while others are found in resorts, hotels, or on cruise ships. In the United States, casinos are usually licensed by state or local governments to operate a gaming establishment. Casinos earn billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them. The gambling industry is regulated by law to protect patrons and prevent criminal activity.

The word casino is probably derived from the Italian casona, meaning “cloistered house.” From the 18th century, it came to refer to a special place where high society or the nobility would gather for social and business activities. Today, the term casino more commonly refers to a large public gambling facility.

Modern casinos are designed to make money from patrons who spend more than the average player. To attract these gamblers, they offer generous comps (free hotel rooms, meals, and other services) to encourage them to play. Casinos also employ sophisticated security systems to prevent cheating. For example, table managers monitor patrons to make sure no one is stealing chips or switching dice; pit bosses watch the action at each game to spot suspicious betting patterns; and the spinning wheels of roulette are electronically monitored to ensure they are not off-center.