A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are standalone facilities, while others are built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and/or other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports.

The precise origin of the word casino is unknown, but it may be related to a French term for a gaming table or card game. The first casino was opened in the 18th century at Monte Carlo, Monaco and became a major source of income for the principality.

Today, casinos are sophisticated and elegant gambling destinations that offer a wide variety of games of chance and skill. Some are famous for their glamorous locations, like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which was featured in the movie Ocean’s 11. They offer high-end hotel accommodations, Michelin star restaurants, designer boutiques, and top-billed entertainment shows that range from circus acts to the latest musician concerts topping the Billboard charts.

Most modern casinos are regulated by law and adhere to strict standards regarding player safety and fair play. They have a physical security force that patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. In addition, they have specialized surveillance departments that monitor the casino’s closed circuit television system. Most reputable online casinos use software from established providers such as Microgaming or NetEnt, which ensures that their games are fair. They also undergo regular audits by independent organizations such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs.