A large building that has a variety of gambling games and live entertainment. Some casinos also have restaurants, hotels, and spas.

Gambling in some form has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archeologists have found dice in China dating back 2300 BC, and playing cards showed up around 800 AD. Modern casino gambling is regulated by state laws and operates under the oversight of security personnel, pit bosses, and table managers. Table game employees are trained to spot cheating (palming, marking, or switching cards) and can be disciplined or fired for doing so. Casinos use sophisticated video surveillance systems to keep an eye on patrons and games. One example is “chip tracking,” which electronically monitors betting chips minute-by-minute to discover any statistical deviation from expected results; another is the use of roulette wheels that are periodically monitored to detect tampering or anomalies.

Casinos are a major source of employment, especially in resort towns like Las Vegas, and offer numerous employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. In addition, they are a leading generator of local tax revenue.

Many casinos have an emphasis on customer service and encourage repeat business with free or discounted items. For example, some casino floor employees are specially trained to help gamblers overcome their addictions. They can also refer problem gamblers to outside counselors. Casinos may also offer special rooms or VIP treatment for high-stakes players, and a host of amenities to lure in new customers.