A casino is a place that houses gambling games. It is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of entertainment options. It is a regulated institution and is operated by licensed individuals or companies. Casinos are usually open 24 hours a day and can be found in many places. They are a major source of income in some states and countries.

While gambling predates recorded history with primitive proto-dice, and even carved six-sided dice can be found in archaeological sites, the casino as a place where people could find a variety of gambling activities under one roof did not develop until the 16th century. During that time a gambling craze was sweeping Europe, and Italian aristocrats held private parties in small clubhouses known as ridotti. These were technically illegal, but the Inquisition rarely bothered them.

Gambling is the main activity in casinos, and most of the games are based on chance. The house edge is in the favor of the casino, so the overall winning percentage is very low. However, casinos make money on the relative difference between winners and losers. Without them, they would go out of business.

Casinos have a number of security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing by patrons or staff. Cameras monitor the entire floor, and employees keep a close eye on table games, watching for atypical patterns that could indicate cheating or collusion. Electronic systems in some games, such as roulette wheels, can be electronically monitored minute-by-minute to discover any statistical deviation from the expected outcome.