A casino is a public place where people can gamble through a variety of games of chance. Casinos often add a range of other entertainment-related activities, such as stage shows and free drinks, to attract visitors. There are no definitive rules about what a casino must contain to be called a casino, although most casinos have gaming tables and machines.

Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice among the earliest archaeological finds. The casino as a place for people to find a variety of gambling opportunities under one roof probably didn’t develop until the 16th century, when gambling crazes swept Europe. People began meeting in small private places known as ridotti, where they could play a variety of games of chance and perhaps even try their hand at betting against each other. The house took a commission on bets, a practice called the rake.

In modern times, many casinos are large, lavish buildings containing a wide range of gambling opportunities. Some are themed, with decor and architecture inspired by faraway locales like Venice or Rio de Janeiro. The casino floor is usually surrounded by restaurants, bars and retail shops. Many casinos also offer live entertainment, such as concerts and comedy acts.

Security is a major concern for casinos, which employ a combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. In addition to cameras, casinos frequently use technology for game oversight: roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any statistical deviations from expected results; bet chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows them to be tracked minute by minute; and some games, such as blackjack, are played by robots programmed to detect cheating and fraud.