A casino is an entertainment establishment that offers a variety of games of chance for players. It is a gambling facility, and is often combined with hotel accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues, such as musical shows. Casinos are a major source of income for cities and states. They are a popular tourist attraction, and offer jobs to thousands of people. While many people enjoy visiting casinos, others have concerns about the ethical nature of gambling.
The precise origin of gambling is not known, but it has existed in nearly every society throughout history. While modern casinos incorporate a wide variety of entertainment and amenities, the core business remains betting on games of chance. Modern casinos are heavily regulated, and many have security measures to prevent cheating and theft. These include cameras in public areas, and chips with microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems to monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect any statistical deviation from their expected results.
The casino industry is dominated by Las Vegas, with the second largest concentration in Atlantic City. Many large companies have invested in the sector, including hotel chains and real estate investors. In addition to traditional gambling operations, casinos often feature entertainment attractions such as lighted fountains and themed hotels. Some casinos even host professional sports teams and live concerts. However, critics say that casinos divert revenue from other sources of local entertainment, and that the costs of treating compulsive gamblers offset any economic benefits they generate.