A casino is an entertainment establishment that offers various gambling activities. Casinos are operated by private companies that are licensed to offer gaming in states where gambling is legal. In addition to games of chance, some casinos also feature restaurants and entertainment venues. Most casinos are located in areas populated by tourist attractions and are easy to reach from hotels and other local destinations.

Most modern casinos use a combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments to protect patrons and property. The security staff patrols the casino floor and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. They can also spot blatant cheating by players, such as palming or marking cards. Table managers and pit bosses watch over table games with a broader view of the room, noting betting patterns that may indicate cheating.

Gambling is believed to have been popular in many cultures throughout history. It was often used as a way to celebrate victories or commiserate with losses. Early casinos grew out of saloons, which were small country houses where people could gamble. Later, they developed into large public gambling houses.

In the United States, casino gambling is regulated by state law and gambling control boards or commissions. The commissions create rules and regulations for casino operators, and they award licenses to land-based and online gambling sites. Additionally, some American states have self-exclusion lists that prevent individuals from playing at casinos.