The word casino is used to describe a place where people gamble, often on games of chance. Its use is widespread around the world, and it may refer to a single establishment or a group of facilities that are operated for gambling. Some casinos are located in or combined with hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping centers.

Gambling in some form has been part of human civilization for millennia. Archeologists have discovered wooden blocks that were used to play dice as early as 2300 BC, and card games appeared soon after, with the earliest known casino game being baccarat, which still appears in some European casinos today. Blackjack was introduced in the 1400s, and poker came along a few centuries later.

Most casino games are based on chance, although some have an element of skill. The mathematical odds give the house an advantage over players, which is often referred to as the “house edge.” In games where the casino does not compete directly against the player, such as poker, it earns money by taking a commission on each pot, which is called the rake.

The large amount of money handled within a casino may tempt patrons and staff to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Because of this, casinos spend a great deal of time and effort on security. Besides security cameras, many have catwalks on which surveillance personnel can look down through one-way glass at the tables and slot machines below.