A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may be combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events.

The casino is a modern version of the traditional gambling house. The word is derived from the Latin cazino, meaning ‘gambling house’. The casino became a popular attraction in the late 19th century, with the first one opening in Monte Carlo in 1863. Eventually, casinos began to pop up in other cities and states, including Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Some American Indian reservations also operate casinos.

Table games are a major part of any casino. They include card games like poker and blackjack, dice games such as craps, and wheel games like roulette. These games often require strategic thinking and decision-making skills as well as luck. They can be played by a single player or multiple players.

Casinos are primarily built to attract high-stakes gamblers. High rollers are a key source of profit for casinos, and they are given many lavish inducements in return for their large wagers. These include free spectacular entertainment, elegant living quarters, reduced-fare transportation, and other perks.

To prevent cheating, the casino has a wide variety of security measures in place. These start on the floor, where casino employees watch over every game and patron carefully. They are especially alert for blatant attempts at cheating, such as palming cards or marking dice. In addition, the floor is wired for surveillance cameras, so that any suspicious behavior can be caught on tape.