A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term is also used for the games played there, such as poker, blackjack and roulette. The gambling establishments are usually located near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are typically licensed by state governments and must comply with various rules and regulations. They are mainly operated by private corporations, with some being run by Native American tribes.
The word casino was first recorded in English in the early 1700s. Its etymology is uncertain, although some suggest it may be from Spanish, Portuguese, or even Latin. It was borrowed into French in the late 17th century. In modern usage, the word is primarily associated with gambling and entertainment.
Since casinos deal in large sums of money, they are vulnerable to cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. Because of this, many casinos have strict security measures in place. These include security cameras, as well as specially designed slot machines and table games that allow casino staff to see what is happening on the table or machine through one-way mirrors.
In addition to these technological safeguards, casinos also employ numerous rules of conduct and behavioral norms to deter both cheating and stealing. In particular, casino patrons are required to keep their hands visible at all times when playing card games and are expected to place bets in an orderly manner. In the case of roulette and other table games, casino staff also monitor the results of each spin through electronic means.