In the United States, a casino is a place that offers a wide range of gambling activities. Many casinos also offer restaurants, stage shows, and dramatic scenery. Some even have hotels. While Las Vegas is perhaps best known for its casinos, there are many more in other places.

The term casino may refer to any of a number of establishments that house gaming activities, but the name is most often associated with a resort or hotel that features gambling as a major attraction. These facilities can also be referred to as “gambling houses” or “gambling clubs”. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies. In others, they are unlicensed and operate as private enterprises.

Unlike traditional gambling halls, modern casinos make use of a variety of technological devices to enhance security. These include cameras, which can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons; electronic systems that record the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute (known as chip tracking); and roulette wheels that are electronically monitored regularly for statistical deviations from their expected results. These technologies are designed to prevent cheating, protect the privacy of players, and help ensure that casinos maintain their reputation for fair play.

While casino gambling has a long history, the first modern gambling establishments developed in Europe during the 16th century as a result of a widespread gambling craze. In Italy, rich aristocrats held private parties in buildings called ridotti to enjoy their favorite gambling games.