A casino is a gambling establishment in which a variety of games of chance can be played. Unlike many other leisure facilities, casinos are designed to attract gamblers and generate income from them. In addition to traditional gambling activities, a casino may also feature restaurants, free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery. Casinos can be found all over the world, but some are more well-known than others. For example, the Monte Carlo Casino is renowned for its luxurious surroundings and is the most famous casino in Europe.

Gambling likely predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones appearing at ancient archaeological sites. However, the modern casino as a place for people to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not appear until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. It was common for Italian aristocrats to hold private parties at their homes, called ridotti, in which gambling was the primary activity.

Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To combat this, most casinos employ extensive security measures. Some use cameras located throughout the facility, while others have a high-tech eye-in-the-sky system that allows security personnel to monitor every table, window, and doorway at once.

Roulette, poker, and blackjack are the most popular casino games. They each have a house edge, which is the amount that the casino takes from the bets made on those machines. In poker, the casino charges a “rake,” which is a percentage of the pot.