A casino is an establishment for gambling. The term is most often associated with Las Vegas, but it can also refer to a place in the United Kingdom, a cruise ship, or any other gambling establishment. Casinos may offer a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. They may also have restaurants, bars, and other entertainment. Some casinos are located in historic buildings, while others have modern structures.

Like any business in a capitalist society, casinos exist to make money. They rake in billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and owners that run them. They also pay millions in taxes and other fees to state and local governments.

Gambling has been around for millennia in one form or another. Evidence of dice betting dates back to 2300 BC, and card playing became widespread in Europe in the 1400s. Casinos have evolved to become the primary form of gambling for those who can afford it.

Modern casinos are complex and heavily regulated. Almost all feature a security force that patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Most also have specialized departments that oversee the technical aspects of the various casino games. They are staffed by mathematicians and computer programmers called gaming analysts. They work to determine the house edge and variance for each game, and are a vital part of casino operations. They are also responsible for setting the minimum and maximum bets on each machine.