A casino is a place where people can play gambling games for money or prizes. Modern casinos also offer other entertainment options, such as restaurants, hotels and shows. The most famous casinos in the world are often located in glamorous cities or resorts. These casinos attract tourists from all over the world. Some of them have even been featured in movies and TV shows.

The word casino comes from the Italian cazino, which means “little country house.” Originally, it was used to describe a small private clubhouse for social events. The opening of public gaming houses in the second half of the 19th century prompted the name change to its current meaning.

Modern casino security is usually divided between a physical force that patrols the property and a specialized surveillance department that watches closed circuit television for suspicious or definite criminal activity. Many casinos have a wide variety of games, and most have a mathematically determined advantage for the house, which is known as the house edge or expected value. Some games, such as poker, have an element of skill, but the majority are pure chance.

While elaborate themes, musical shows and lighted fountains help draw in the crowds, casinos would not exist without the games of chance that bring in billions in profits each year. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno are some of the most popular casino games. The oldest casino in the world is the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, which opened in 1863. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is another famous casino that’s been featured in countless movies.