A casino is a facility that offers various forms of gambling. It features slot machines, table games such as poker and blackjack, and sometimes entertainment shows. Guests at casinos must be of legal age to gamble and must obey the rules and regulations set by the establishment. Casinos are usually located in towns with high populations, and the most famous ones are Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Chicago.

The word casino comes from the Italian kasino, meaning “little house” or “small farm”. Gambling in some form is practiced in almost all societies throughout history. It is generally thought that the exact origin of gambling is unknown, although it is believed to be one of mankind’s earliest forms of entertainment.

In the late 20th century, casinos increasingly made use of technology for security and supervision. For example, some betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casino to monitor exactly how much is wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from expected results; and video cameras are frequently used to oversee tables.

Casinos are a major source of entertainment in many cities and countries, and they provide employment for thousands of people. They are also a popular tourist destination, and some are even designated as national heritage sites. They are often associated with glitz, glamour and a certain level of luxury. However, some are also known for crime, addiction, and social problems such as kleptomania and compulsive gambling.