A casino (also known as a gambling house or a kasino) is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling, including slot machines and table games. Some casinos also offer live entertainment, such as concerts and comedy shows. Depending on the country, casinos may also be licensed to sell alcohol. Some jurisdictions have strict rules about who can gamble and what kinds of games are allowed.

The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has been a part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of gambling has been found in China as early as 2300 BC, and dice appeared in Rome around 500 AD. Modern casinos feature a wide variety of games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and baccarat. Some are open to the public, while others are private clubs for members.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. Many of them are located in cities with large populations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The rest are scattered throughout the country, often near Native American reservations. Several states have legalized gambling, and many more are considering it.

Most modern casinos use sophisticated security measures to deter crime. These include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The latter watches the activities of players and staff, and is usually monitored by management. It can detect and deter criminal activity by observing patterns of behavior, such as when players keep their cards hidden.