A casino is a gambling establishment offering various types of games of chance for an ante or bet. Often combined with hotels, resorts or other venues that offer entertainment, casinos are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to slot machines and table games, many casino resorts feature restaurants, bars and other entertainment options such as live performances and sports. Some casinos also offer convention and meeting spaces. Other features that may be found at a casino include swimming pools, health clubs, and shopping centers. Some casinos are owned and operated by Native American tribes.

The precise origins of gambling are difficult to pinpoint, but it is widely believed that it has been a part of human culture for at least the last 4,000 years. Modern casino gaming has become a major source of revenue for some governments, and is regulated in most jurisdictions.

In the United States, the legal age to gamble in a casino is 21. Guests may be required to provide proof of age upon entering the facility, and many casinos have security measures in place to prevent underage gambling or other criminal activity. Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. Because of this, casinos are generally well-protected and have a high level of surveillance. In some cases, a physical security force patrols the premises, while in others the use of closed-circuit television is used.