A casino is a place where people can gamble. Most casinos offer games of chance, with some having an element of skill. The casino makes money by charging customers a commission known as the house edge or vigorish. It also may give out complimentary items or comps to its customers. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has been part of human culture for millennia. Archeological evidence shows that dice were used in China as early as 2300 BC, and cards appeared in Europe around 500 AD.

Some casinos have advanced security measures. They monitor the movement of customers, and some even use facial recognition technology to prevent unauthorized entry. Casinos also have high-tech monitoring systems for the games themselves. Chip tracking allows them to see how much is wagered minute by minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any statistical deviations. This kind of work is usually done by specialists called gaming mathematicians and analysts.

Many casinos are built in exotic locations and are a major tourist attraction, such as the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Others are large entertainment complexes, such as the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, which has a huge selection of electronic machines, table games, and a dedicated poker room as well as fine dining, luxurious spas, and captivating live performances.