A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term is also used for facilities such as those hosting a variety of entertainment events or other special activities. Some casinos are also known for their luxurious nature, with opulent suites and spas often available alongside roulette wheels and blackjack tables.
The first modern casinos appeared in Europe in the latter half of the 19th century, and were mostly located in large cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. They were often licensed and regulated by the government in order to ensure that they operated fairly and honestly. The casinos were designed to be glamorous, and they attracted royalty and aristocracy as patrons.
There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machine games are played by one person at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games are those involving one or more players who compete against the house, and they are usually conducted by trained croupiers. Random number games are based on selecting a series of numbers, either generated by a computer or by other means such as dice.
Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To protect against this, most casinos have security measures such as cameras and guards. Some casinos also employ a pit boss who monitors the game play and enforces rules.