A casino is an establishment where people can play various gambling games. Some casinos offer food and drinks, stage shows and other entertainment. Some are combined with hotels, resorts or other tourist attractions. There are also a number of online casinos. The games available at these sites vary, but all have the same basic structure. They are based on chance, with some requiring skill. The house always has an advantage over players. This advantage is known as the house edge.

The first modern casinos appeared in the 16th century during a gambling craze that swept Europe. These small clubs, called ridotti, were for Italian aristocrats who wanted to gamble without being bothered by legal authorities. The idea quickly spread to other European countries, and it later moved to the United States.

Today’s casinos have extensive security measures. Cameras monitor all activity inside and outside the facility, and computer systems supervise the games themselves. For example, casino chips have built-in microcircuitry that interact with electronic systems that record the amount wagered minute by minute and warn the player if there’s an anomaly; roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect any deviation from their expected results.

To keep gamblers happy, casino owners provide free food and drink. They also give players “comps”—free goods or services—based on their spending. Comps are a major source of revenue for casinos, and they can include hotel rooms, show tickets, meals and even airline flights. However, players should be aware that these comps aren’t a guarantee of winnings.