A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming room, is a facility for certain types of gambling. Most casinos feature table games, slot machines, and other traditional gambling equipment. Some modern casinos have additional features such as bars and restaurants. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been an integral part of human culture. Some of the earliest recorded gambling activities took place in Ancient Mesopotamia, China, and Rome. In the Middle Ages, Europeans began to visit gambling houses in the cities of Italy and Spain. The modern casino industry has spread throughout the world, and is now a major source of revenue in many countries.
In the United States, the Las Vegas Valley is the largest casino market, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago. Some casinos are owned by large corporations, while others are operated by government-owned entities or charitable organizations. Several states have legalized casinos, and many more are considering doing so.
Because of the high stakes involved, casinos are prone to cheating and theft by patrons and employees. To counter this, most casinos use a combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. The latter operate closed-circuit television systems with one-way glass so that surveillance personnel can monitor activity without being seen by the players. In addition to cameras, modern casinos employ a variety of other technological measures to prevent criminal behavior. During the 2008 economic crisis, many casinos closed in the United States, affecting the economy of many states and communities.