A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. In modern usage, the term is mostly associated with Las Vegas and other destinations that specialize in casino gaming. Casinos also offer other amenities such as restaurants, hotels, spas, and entertainment. Some casinos are known for their glitz, glamour, and history; the Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, has featured in two James Bond films, while the Casino de Monte Carlo is a must-see attraction in Monaco.
Although the precise origin of casino gambling is unknown, it is believed that games of chance have been around for thousands of years. In ancient times, these games were often played with dice and bones. The modern casino evolved from these early games. Traditionally, the house has an edge over the players, and it earns money through a vigorish or commission on winning bets. In some cases, the house edge is removed through a process called card counting. Players who possess sufficient skills to eliminate this advantage are known as advantage players.
The casino industry has become increasingly regulated and diversified. There are now more than 1,000 casinos worldwide, including large resorts in cities such as Las Vegas and Macau. Some casinos are operated by government-owned enterprises, while others are owned and managed by private businesses or social clubs. Because of the large amounts of money handled, casino employees are frequently tempted to steal and cheat. To prevent this, casinos employ a variety of security measures.