A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. In addition to gambling, some casinos host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports matches.

Most casino games provide a predictable long-term advantage to the house or “house edge”. Some have a skill element, and players who possess sufficient skills can eliminate this advantage, making them known as advantage players. The house edge of a game depends on its rules and the number of decks used, among other factors.

In the United States, casinos are regulated by state law. Some states have designated specific areas where casino gambling is permitted, while others allow it only in certain types of casinos or on reservations. The largest concentration of casinos is in Las Vegas, Nevada; other famous casinos include Monte Carlo and the Bellagio.

Gambling in some form has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in Ancient Mesopotamia and spread throughout the world as civilizations developed. In modern times, it is a major source of revenue for many nations.

Because of the large amounts of money handled, casinos are prone to criminal activity such as theft and fraud. Security measures are therefore a key component of casino design. A typical modern casino has a dedicated physical security force and a specialized surveillance department.