A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term is derived from the Latin cazino, meaning “gambling house”. Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Many states have legalized casinos, and their number continues to grow as more states pass legislation permitting them.

The modern American casino industry developed from European casino culture in the mid-20th century. Las Vegas became a world-famous destination after Nevada legalized gambling in 1931; Atlantic City, New Jersey, and other cities boomed after states such as New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania followed suit. In addition to these commercial casinos, tribal casinos run by Native American tribes have sprung up across the US in recent decades.

Casinos are regulated by state and local laws to ensure they comply with gaming regulations. They are also required to maintain a high level of security. This includes video surveillance, which is often used to deter criminal activity and monitor customer behavior. Many casinos use technology to supervise games as well. For example, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems to allow the casinos to track bets minute-by-minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect any statistical deviation from their expected results.

While casinos are popular with gamblers, they can be dangerous for those who develop a problem. If you suspect that you may have a gambling problem, seek help from your doctor or counselor. You can also contact the National Council on Problem Gambling for confidential assistance.