A Casino is a special place where gambling games are played. These include slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps and more. There are many different ways to gamble, but casinos are the most popular places for this type of entertainment. The modern casino is more like an indoor amusement park than a traditional gambling house. Its patrons enjoy a variety of free attractions and entertainment as well as the gambling.

Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice found in numerous archaeological sites. But the casino as a venue where people could find a wide variety of gambling activities under one roof did not develop until the 16th century during a European gambling craze. Prior to that, Italian aristocrats met at private clubs known as ridotti to gamble.

The largest number of casino locations are located in the United States. The Las Vegas area is the most famous for its gaming, but there are also plenty of other casinos throughout the country.

In addition to a full range of gambling activities, most casinos have restaurants, bars and lounges for their patrons to relax and enjoy. Most also have theaters or other venues for live entertainment. In addition, the large amounts of money handled within casinos make them susceptible to theft. Both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or on their own. Therefore, casinos must have robust security measures in place.