A casino is a building or room in which gambling games are played. The term may also refer to the business of running such a place, or the activity of gambling itself. The word is derived from Latin kasino, meaning “to hide”. Casinos are regulated by law and operate under strict rules to prevent cheating and other criminal activities.

When choosing an online casino to play at, look for one that offers a secure environment with a high level of customer support and fast withdrawals. It’s also a good idea to find out how easy it is to get started with the site. Many sites offer bonuses to new players, or to existing ones as a way of attracting them and keeping them playing.

The word casino can be traced back to Latin kasino, meaning “to conceal.” It is believed that the original use of the word was to refer to a secret meeting place for a group of people. Later, the word came to be used to describe a public house where gambling was permitted.

Few movies have done as much to change the stereotype of Vegas as Martin Scorsese’s Casino. It lays bare the city’s dark side, showing how the mob once ran the town before giant gambling corporations took over. The film features a legendary performance from Robert De Niro, as well as a stunning turn by Sharon Stone as blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. The cast is rounded out by Joe Pesci as the ruthless Santoro, a character whose menace far exceeds his physical size.