A casino is a place for gambling, where customers gamble by playing games of chance or skill. A casino may also contain restaurants, retail shops, and even live entertainment. In the United States, casinos are often called gaming establishments, and they are regulated by state and local laws. They are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping malls, and other tourist attractions. In some cases, they are also operated by Native American tribes.
The precise origins of gambling are obscure, but it is widely believed that some form of it has existed in almost all societies. In modern times, it is common to see casinos located in major cities and tourist destinations such as Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one or more players at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack or craps, involve a player competing against the house and are conducted by casino employees known as croupiers. Random number games, such as roulette or baccarat, use a random number generator to determine the outcome of a spin or hand.
Due to the large amount of money that is handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with others or independently. To prevent this, many casinos employ a variety of security measures. These may include cameras and other surveillance equipment, as well as rules of conduct and behavior.