Casino is an establishment where people gamble by playing games of chance. Modern casinos offer a variety of gambling games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. In addition, they often feature entertainment such as concerts and dancers.

Casinos earn profits by charging a fee to players who use their services. The amount charged is called a “vig,” and it is typically higher for table games than for slot machines. Some casinos also charge for drinks and cigarettes while patrons are gambling, and some have special rooms where high rollers can gamble for free or at reduced rates.

Gambling in some form has been a part of human culture for millennia. It was practiced in ancient Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece, and Egypt, and was widespread throughout Europe during the 19th century. In the United States, it remained illegal until 1931, when Nevada became the first state to legalize casino gambling.

The casino industry is largely dependent on the fortunes of a few large operators. The largest and best known are located in Las Vegas, and they have attracted international attention because of their glitzy facilities and glamorous atmosphere. Some, like the Bellagio, are famous for their dancing fountains and luxury accommodations, while others, such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, have a more subtle charm.

In the United States, casinos are heavily regulated by state and local governments. Security is paramount, and casinos employ many technological measures to prevent cheating and other criminal activity. Dealers are trained to spot blatant tricks such as palming or marking cards, and pit bosses supervise tables closely for any unusual betting patterns that might indicate cheating. In addition, many casinos have catwalks above the gaming floor that allow surveillance personnel to look down on table games and slot machines through one-way glass.