A casino is a place where people can gamble. The name derives from the Latin casinum, meaning “gambling house.” Casinos are generally associated with Las Vegas, Nevada, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and other gambling centers in American states that legalize such activities. Some casinos also operate on Native American reservations and are not subject to state gambling laws.

Casinos attract people from all over the world for a variety of reasons. Some people enjoy the excitement of putting money on a game of chance and hoping for a big win, while others simply enjoy the social interaction with other gamblers. Some casinos offer free food, drinks, hotel rooms or other perks to their customers.

Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, security is very important. Staff members and patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently, so most casinos employ security measures to deter such behavior. These measures can include security cameras, electronic monitoring systems (e.g., chips with built-in microcircuitry that allow the casino to monitor betting activity minute by minute) and automated roulette wheels that are regularly monitored for any statistical deviation from their expected results.

Casinos have a significant economic impact on their home cities and regions. They create jobs and attract tourism, generating revenue for local governments. They may also provide valuable tax incentives to encourage investment. In addition, casinos often sponsor local events and charities.