A casino is a gambling establishment offering various kinds of games of chance. Some casinos also offer dining, entertainment and accommodations. The term is most often applied to establishments in Las Vegas, but there are casinos worldwide. Casinos are licensed and regulated by the government in which they operate. Casinos are staffed with employees who are trained to spot cheating or suspicious behavior. They are also required to keep accurate records of all transactions and maintain high levels of security.

A patron’s mathematical expectancy of winning at a casino game is determined by the house edge and variance of the game. These values are published in casino literature and are the work of mathematicians employed by the gaming industry. Casinos use these figures to ensure that their profits are sustainable and will not disappear in a short period of time. This allows them to give big bettors extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and living quarters, free drinks while gambling, and other benefits.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of dice and card games exists in 2300 BC China, while the earliest known table games like baccarat appeared around 800 AD. Casinos have adapted and modernized these games over the centuries to attract hardened gamblers and curious newcomers alike.

The modern casino is a sophisticated facility with multiple areas designed for different types of gambling and entertainment. Some of these have a more traditional and elegant ambiance while others, such as the Venetian Macao, offer a more vibrant and modern experience.