A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance and win money. It includes a variety of games such as slots, blackjack, poker and roulette, but also other activities such as dining and entertainment. Some casinos are themed and have special attractions such as towers or fountains. The casino industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. In the United States alone, around 51 million people visited a casino in 2002. Many casinos offer various perks for their patrons, including discounted travel packages, free food and show tickets.

Gambling has existed for thousands of years, with primitive proto-dice and carved six-sided dice found at archeological sites. But the modern casino as a gathering place for gamblers did not develop until the 16th century, when a fad swept Europe and Italian nobles held private parties in houses called ridotti.

Casinos rely on the fact that most games have a built-in advantage for the house, although skill can play a role in some games. This edge may be only a couple of percent, but it adds up over the millions of bets made by casino customers. It provides the revenue that allows casinos to build elaborate hotels, fountains and replicas of famous landmarks.

To make the most money, casinos focus on attracting high-stakes gamblers, who spend much more than average. To encourage this kind of play, they advertise heavily in high-profile places and offer perks such as free luxury suites. To deter cheating and stealing (in collusion with staff or independently), casinos use security cameras, surveillance systems and strict rules of conduct.