Casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance for a fee. The most popular casino games are slot machines, keno and blackjack. Some casinos also offer sports betting, where patrons can place bets on American and world events. Some of the more luxurious casinos include a spa, restaurant and bar. Others feature elaborate themes and designs such as lighted fountains, towers and pyramids.

Casinos make money by charging players a percentage of their total bets, called the house edge. This percentage can be as low as two percent, but over time this can earn a casino millions of dollars. In addition, casino patrons can earn comps, or complimentary goods and services. These can include free drinks and food, hotel rooms, luxury gifts and even free shows or other entertainment.

Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice found in archaeological sites. But the casino as we know it today was born in the 16th century with a gambling craze that swept Europe. The first casinos gathered a variety of different ways to gamble under one roof, and the industry grew rapidly.

Modern casinos may combine physical security forces with a specialized surveillance department to monitor the facility and its patrons. For example, many casino owners install catwalks in the ceiling of their buildings, which allow security workers to look directly down on the floor through one-way glass. This allows surveillance personnel to see who is winning and losing at the tables or slots without being seen by other patrons.