A casino is a public place where games of chance can be played and gambling is the primary activity. It has long been a source of entertainment for the wealthy, with proof dating back to 2300 BC in China and baccarat showing up in Europe by 1500 AD. The modern casino adds many luxuries, including food, drink, stage shows and dramatic scenery to attract patrons.

Although a casino may have many games, it is usually best known for its blackjack, roulette and craps. It may also have a variety of video poker machines and thousands of slot machines. Some casinos also offer a selection of traditional Far Eastern games, such as sic bo and fan-tan. In the United States, casinos are most often found in cities and resorts, with Las Vegas being a leading destination.

Gambling is often a controversial issue in the press, especially when it is accompanied by images of lavish casinos and extravagant lifestyles. Some critics claim that the influx of casino profits causes a shift in spending away from other forms of local entertainment, while others point out that the cost of treating compulsive gamblers and lost productivity by employees who work at casinos offset any financial benefits that may be realized.

Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff members may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. As a result, most casinos have security measures in place to prevent these activities. These include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. In addition, most casinos have closed circuit television systems to monitor the premises.