A casino is a gambling establishment where various games of chance are offered. It may be a place where people can take a break from the seriousness of life and enjoy some lighthearted fun with friends or family. Alternatively, the casino may be used as an investment venue for wealthy people who wish to increase their wealth through gambling.

The precise origins of gambling are unknown, but the word casino appears in Italian as early as the 16th century, where it denoted a small clubhouse for social gatherings. Aristocrats at the time often hosted such parties in private clubs called ridotti. The popularity of such clubs led to the development of gambling as a major form of entertainment.

Today, casinos use a variety of technology to supervise patron activities and protect against cheating. For example, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casino to monitor exactly how much is being wagered minute by minute and warns them of any statistical deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are also electronically monitored to detect any suspicious swaying of their spin.

A growing number of countries have legalized casinos, but critics argue that the public benefits do not offset their costs. Critics point out that the majority of casino visitors are locals, not tourists, so their gambling dollars drain from other forms of entertainment in the area; that compulsive gamblers generate a disproportionate share of casino profits, which reduces overall economic health; and that casinos hurt local housing markets.