A casino is a gambling establishment, offering a variety of games of chance and skill, for money or other prizes. Casinos often feature table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. In addition, they may offer sports betting and other types of gaming. Some casinos also include entertainment venues such as theaters and acrobatic shows. The word casino is derived from the Latin cazino, meaning “little country house”.

Gambling in some form has been part of human culture throughout history. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is believed to have evolved from a practice of exchanging goods and services for cash. The modern casino industry is regulated by government authorities to ensure fairness and security. Casinos must be licensed and have certain minimum standards for design, equipment, and operation.

In addition to ensuring that players are of legal age, casinos must implement stringent security measures to deter cheating and theft. This includes the use of surveillance technology to monitor patrons and employee activity. In addition, the large amounts of money handled within a casino make it prone to fraud, either in collusion between patrons or by staff members acting independently.

When most people think of a casino, they envision one of the megaresorts in Las Vegas — a massive hotel and entertainment complex filled with neon lights and fun. But there are many more casinos in the world than just those opulent places. These smaller casinos are defined more by their types of gambling than by glitz and glamour.