Casino is an entertainment establishment that provides gambling services. There are two major categories of casinos: land-based and online. Land-based casinos are located in certified territories and are operated by a licensed operator, while online casinos offer virtual gaming on a global basis.

The term casino was first used in the 16th century to refer to a private clubhouse for Italian aristocrats who gambled. As the gaming craze spread throughout Europe, these clubs, called ridotti, became popular and were the precursor of today’s casinos.

Gambling in some form or another probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at archaeological sites. But the modern casino, with a variety of ways to win under one roof, did not develop until the 16th century.

Slot machines are the most common casino game, with hundreds of different titles available. They usually feature bright colors and engaging themes, and payouts are determined by matching symbols across paylines. Table games are also a staple of the casino, with blackjack, roulette and baccarat the most popular.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. To combat these dangers, casinos employ various security measures. For example, many casinos use cameras to monitor all areas of the casino; some have specialized “chip tracking” systems that allow them to oversee all betting activities minute by minute, and to instantly detect any statistical deviation from expected results; and roulette wheels are routinely monitored electronically to identify any tampering or ball bounces.