A casino is a facility where various gambling activities take place. The term is also used to describe the buildings and spaces where these activities occur. There are many different types of casinos, ranging from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the more modest spaces found in rural areas.

Originally, casinos were places where people met to play games of chance. The classic example is the casino at Monte-Carlo, which opened in 1863. The modern casino includes a wide range of gaming options, from slot machines to table games. Some casinos offer skill-based games, such as blackjack, while others rely on luck and random chance.

As more states legalized gambling, the number of casinos grew. By the 1980s, there were over 1,000 casinos. They became a major source of revenue for some cities, such as Las Vegas. In addition, casinos began to open on American Indian reservations, which were exempt from state anti-gambling laws.

Casinos can generate huge amounts of money, and their owners are often well-off. They may be willing to invest large sums in advertising to attract customers, and they employ a variety of security measures to protect their assets. The fact that so much money is handled within a casino means both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; hence, the need for security. In addition to cameras, casinos may employ a variety of other measures, including the use of uniforms.