A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons wager cash or other valuables on games of chance or skill. Games may include poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. Casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing, either by patrons or employees. Most casinos have a dedicated physical security force as well as a specialized surveillance department to monitor patron activities.
Gambling is a part of many cultures worldwide and dates back millennia. The earliest evidence of gaming was found in 2300 BC China, with dice appearing around 500 AD and playing cards by the 1400s. In the United States, casinos began appearing after state laws changed in the 1980s to permit them on Indian reservations and other locations outside of city limits.
Casinos are often designed to be visually pleasing and include features such as fountains, glass sculptures, and replicas of famous buildings. They also feature a variety of gaming tables and seating options. Some have large entertainment venues that host concerts and other performances. For example, the Caesars Palace Circus Maximus Showroom has hosted luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Cher, and Mariah Carey.
Casinos are large business and as such employ a significant number of people. Their operations also generate substantial tax revenue for their respective jurisdictions. Because of their economic importance, they are a focus of intense public debate and scrutiny. This is particularly true in the United States, where various groups advocate for or against casinos.