The term Casino refers to any place where gambling is allowed and people can play a variety of games of chance, including roulette, blackjack and poker. The casinos often have a wide range of other amenities to help attract customers, such as restaurants and free drinks. Some of them even have stage shows and dramatic scenery to add to the experience.

While the notion of a casino probably predates recorded history, primitive dice and other gaming devices have been found in archaeological digs. The modern idea of a casino as a place where people can find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Italian aristocrats would gather at private clubs known as ridotti to gamble and socialize, even though the practice was illegal.

In the 21st century, casinos rely on technology to monitor games and supervise patrons. For example, video cameras watch players and dealers in table games; betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems to allow the casinos to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute by minute and warn them of any deviation from expected results; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any anomaly. Some casinos also have catwalks above the floor, which allow surveillance personnel to look directly down through one-way glass at games and patrons. They may also use a variety of other tactics to draw attention to themselves and entice players, such as flashing lights and pulsating music.