A casino is an establishment for gambling. It is also a facility for various types of entertainment. Casinos are usually located near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. In addition to traditional gaming tables, many casinos offer electronic games and video poker. Some casinos also have sports books and race tracks. The casino is a key economic and tourist attraction in many cities. Some states have enacted laws to regulate the operation of casinos.

A modern casino typically has a complex system for monitoring and detecting suspicious or definite criminal activity. This includes a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. In addition, casinos have begun using technology to monitor their games. For instance, some casino chips have built-in microcircuitry that enables them to be tracked minute by minute. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect any statistical deviations from expected results.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. It is practiced by both religious and secular groups in most countries. In recent times, however, casino gambling has grown to become a major industry. In the United States, it has gained popularity due to a change in state laws and the availability of more sophisticated gambling products such as slot machines.