Casino is a gambling establishment where patrons gamble cash or casino chips on various possible random outcomes or combinations of outcomes. Gambling has been part of human civilization for millennia, with archeological evidence showing use of wooden blocks for chance games as early as 2300 BC in China and dice around 500 AD in Rome. Modern casinos typically offer many different table games and slot machines, and also feature sports betting and a full range of other forms of entertainment.

Several cities are known for their casinos, with the most famous being Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Chicago. However, casino gambling has spread throughout the United States and is legal in many states. In addition, many American Indian reservations have casinos.

Modern casinos make extensive use of technology to supervise their operations and prevent cheating by patrons. For example, some casino chips have built-in microcircuitry that enables the casinos to monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are monitored electronically to discover statistical deviations from their expected results; and video cameras are used in areas where patrons might be tempted to steal.

Many casino-related activities involve some level of skill or strategy, and can be fun for seasoned gamblers. Besides the gaming rooms, many modern casinos include gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas and spectacular live performances that attract world-famous celebrities. Some, like the elegant German spa town of Baden-Baden, have been popular with European royalty and aristocracy for more than 150 years, and continue to draw wealthy guests from across Europe.