A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance, such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. Some casinos also offer a variety of entertainment options such as stage shows, restaurants, and hotel rooms. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has been found in nearly every society throughout history.

Casinos often provide security measures to protect patrons and staff from theft and cheating. Most have security cameras, and some even have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass directly onto the tables and slot machines. Some casinos have specialized security employees who are trained to spot specific cheating techniques such as palming and marking.

In the United States, there are approximately 1,700 casinos. Most are located in Nevada and Atlantic City, although more casinos are opening in places like New Jersey and Chicago. In addition, many casinos are located on American Indian reservations, which can avoid some state antigambling laws.

The typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. She is most likely to play a table game or casino poker, and she is least likely to play video poker or a slot machine. Several studies have shown that people who gamble in casinos are more likely to have psychological problems, such as compulsive gambling. Those who have serious gambling problems are considered problem gamblers, and they are treated as a high risk for addiction. Some casinos have separate floors for problem gamblers.