A casino or gambling house is a place where people can play games of chance. These establishments are sometimes combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops or cruise ships and are known as entertainment destinations. The first modern casinos appeared in the United States in the 1980s, after states amended their laws to allow them. They were originally popular in Nevada and Atlantic City, and later spread to other states that legalized them such as New Jersey and Iowa. They also started to appear on American Indian reservations and in other places outside the United States.

Because casino gambling involves large amounts of money, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. To prevent this, most casinos use a variety of security measures. These include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors activity throughout the building. Cameras are used to monitor the activities of patrons and to record their bets.

Casinos often employ an air of luxury to attract and keep patrons. They typically have lavish decor such as richly colored carpeting and dramatic lighting that is designed to be exciting and evocative. They also offer a variety of high-end services such as free drinks and stage shows. Some even have themed restaurants to add to the atmosphere. In addition, a number of casinos offer loyalty programs to encourage players to return to the site and earn bonus credits or other rewards that can be redeemed for additional wagers.