A casino is a type of gambling establishment that houses games such as slot machines, blackjack and roulette. It is a major source of entertainment for many people and it provides billions of dollars in profits to its owners every year. While casinos add many amenities to their facilities such as lighted fountains, musical shows and shopping centers to attract visitors, they are primarily designed for gambling activities.

The precise origins of gambling are not known, but it has been a popular activity in almost every society throughout history. Modern casinos have become increasingly sophisticated, and many are now incorporated into large resorts or hotels. Some even offer a variety of non-gambling attractions such as restaurants, bars and swimming pools.

Many casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating or theft by patrons or staff, either in collusion or independently. Cameras and other surveillance technology are commonplace, as are rules requiring players to keep their hands visible at all times. Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look directly down on the game tables and slot machines.

Some casinos are run by legitimate businesses such as real estate developers and hotel chains, but most are still owned by organized crime groups. Mob money has always provided a steady flow of cash to casinos, and mob members have often taken sole or partial ownership of a casino. Mob influence over a casino can cause it to be less honest and fair, and federal crackdowns on gambling have helped reduce mob involvement in casinos.