A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. These establishments may be integrated into hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. Some casinos are known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, music concerts or sports events. The term casino may also refer to:

With so much currency moving around, casinos can be a magnet for thieves. As such, they are heavily protected with cameras and other security measures. In addition, staff are trained to spot suspicious behavior and take appropriate action.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, with evidence dating back as far as 2300 BC in China. Modern-day casinos have a wide range of games, from dice and playing cards to more complex table games like baccarat, blackjack and roulette.

Some casinos are renowned for their luxury, with elegant suites and restaurants. Others are more raucous, with high-octane stage shows and big-name musical acts. The opulent Kurhaus in Baden-Baden first opened its doors to European royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, and is considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful casino.

Despite the large amounts of money involved, the casino industry is relatively safe. Casinos are regulated and monitored by governments or gaming boards. They may be privately owned or operated by state-licensed or national corporations. They may also be built on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state laws prohibiting gambling.