A casino is a facility where people can gamble. Most casinos offer a variety of gambling games, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Many casinos also have entertainment options such as shows and restaurants. Some casinos are located in luxurious hotels, while others are standalone facilities. Casinos often have security measures in place to prevent theft by both patrons and staff. These measures may include security cameras and rules of conduct.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archeological evidence of dice-based games dates back to 2300 BC. The earliest known casino was in China, and by the 1400s, the first modern-day casino game, baccarat, was introduced. Other casino games included pai gow, fan-tan, and sic bo. During the 20th century, casino gambling expanded internationally. Several American states amended their anti-gambling laws in the 1980s, and casinos also appeared on Native American reservations.

Modern casinos are designed to attract and keep customers by offering a wide range of gambling products and by providing an exciting atmosphere. They offer stimulating colors, sound effects, and scents to create an appealing environment. In addition, they offer comps and other perks to encourage gamblers to spend more money and to reward loyal customers. Some casinos hire mathematicians who analyze the house edge and variance of individual games to improve their profitability. However, this work is usually outsourced. The house edge and variance are important to know because they determine the mathematical odds of a game.