A casino is a building or room where gambling takes place. Most casinos have gaming tables where gamblers bet on games of chance or skill, and some have restaurants. The largest casino in the world is in Las Vegas. It is surrounded by hotels, shopping, and entertainment. There are also casinos in Macau and Singapore.

In the United States, casinos are licensed by state governments. Most of the country’s casinos are located in Nevada, which is renowned for its giant resorts and Las Vegas-style gaming. Other states that have legalized casinos include New Jersey and Atlantic City in New York.

The word casino is derived from the Italian cazino, which means “cottage” or “hut.” Early evidence of the use of this term dates back to the 17th century. In the 18th century, it was used to describe an enclosed space for dancing and drinking. Later, it became a generic name for gambling houses.

Aside from the obvious security measures, casinos employ a variety of technological tools to monitor their patrons. For instance, the casino floor is often lit by more than 15,000 miles of neon tubing. The lighting helps players navigate the crowded tables and slot machines more easily, but it also makes it easy for security to spot suspicious activity.

Despite the presence of sophisticated security, there is always the risk that casino patrons may cheat or steal. This is especially true when large amounts of money are involved. To prevent this, most casinos spend a considerable amount of time and money on security measures.