A casino is a place where people can gamble on games of chance. They often have restaurants, bars, nongambling games and other attractions to draw in customers. In the United States, casinos are most often found in Nevada, but they are also in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and on American Indian reservations. Historically, these establishments have been heavily guarded to prevent cheating and stealing. Casinos use many methods to monitor patrons, including security cameras, staff members on the floor, and specialized tools. They are also known for offering complimentary drinks, snacks, and other benefits to regular players.

The precise origin of gambling is unclear, but it is commonly believed to have been present in almost every society throughout history. There are records of gambling in ancient Mesopotamia, Rome, and Elizabethan England. Modern casinos often incorporate luxuries such as hotels, restaurants, and stage shows to attract patrons. Some have even added pools, a mindblowing number of gaming tables, and other nongambling entertainment to appeal to families and children.

In the early 1990s, casinos became increasingly popular in the United States. Nevada was the first state to legalize them, but they soon spread to Atlantic City and on American Indian reservations. Today, there are more than 3,000 casinos in operation. Among the most famous is Monte Carlo, featured in the Ben Mezrich book Busting Vegas and in multiple James Bond films. In general, most casino patrons are forty-six-year-old females from households with above-average income.