A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment where various games of chance are played. The casino industry is a huge one, with billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos each year. While casino entertainment such as musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and luxurious hotels help attract patrons, the bottom line for a casino still comes from games of chance.

Although gambling has long been popular, the modern casino as we know it developed in the 16th century during a European gaming craze. Gambling games such as roulette, baccarat and blackjack are considered the most popular, and they generate the majority of casino profits. These and other games of chance are played in special gambling rooms called casinos, which often offer other amenities such as food, drinks and live entertainment.

Most people who visit a casino are not gamblers, but rather tourists who come to see what the attraction is all about. They may have seen a casino-themed movie or simply been drawn to the place by its exotic location, a 5-star hotel, aesthetic natural building or a combination of all of these factors.

Casino security starts on the casino floor, where dealers are heavily focused on their game and can easily spot blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards or dice. Other employees, such as pit bosses and table managers, have a much broader view of what is happening at the tables and can look for betting patterns that may indicate cheating.