A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance or skill for money. The first casinos appeared in Europe in the 17th century and have since spread throughout the world. In the United States, casinos were legalized in Atlantic City in 1978 and on American Indian reservations during the 1980s. Some casinos are incorporated as separate corporations while others operate under government licenses.
Casinos are a primary source of revenue for governments and are often built in or near tourist destinations. They are also a major source of employment for many people. In addition to gaming tables, casinos feature restaurants and bars. Some offer live entertainment, such as comedy shows and music performances. Other activities include shopping and hotel rooms. Some casinos are devoted to specific types of gambling, such as horse racing or poker.
Because of the large amounts of currency handled, casinos are sometimes the target of thieves and cheats. Security measures are designed to prevent these problems. In addition to surveillance cameras, some casinos have a special team that investigates claims of fraud or theft. In some cases, these teams have led to criminal convictions. In addition to the obvious risks of stealing, casinos must address the risk that patrons may attempt to collude with one another or with employees to fix games or otherwise gain an advantage over other patrons. These types of actions are referred to as collusion or carte blanche and are punishable by some jurisdictions.