The casino, also known as the gambling house or gaming palace, is a modern form of an ancient institution. Modern casinos are often built adjacent to or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. They are renowned for hosting live entertainment and are often featured in movies, television series, and books. The term may also be used for a large private club or social club.

The most famous casino in the world is probably the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which became even more famous after the movie Ocean’s 11 was set there. It is a place of elegance and sophistication, offering table games, slot machines, and poker rooms along with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and breath-taking art installations.

In many countries, laws regarding gambling are regulated by the state. However, there are exceptions. For example, the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany began as a playground for European royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago. Its casino still draws visitors who seek high-roller gambling experiences.

Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, it is important to keep a close eye on the activity. Security measures are therefore a common feature of any casino. Various technology is employed to ensure the integrity of games, such as “chip tracking” which uses built-in microcircuitry to allow casinos to oversee the amounts wagered minute by minute and quickly discover any anomaly; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any abnormal deviation from their expected results.