A casino is a gambling establishment offering an array of slot machines, table games (including blackjack and roulette), and sometimes entertainment shows. Its patrons must be of legal age to gamble and must follow its rules and regulations. A casino also has to be licensed by a government agency in order to operate legally.

Casinos can be found all over the world. While the United States has the most, many European countries boast their own casinos as well. In terms of size, Europe’s largest casino is the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal. This luxurious resort offers more than 165,000 square feet of gaming space, including two tiers of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. It even features a three-ring rotating stage for performances and an impressive array of restaurants and bars.

Gambling has been a part of human civilization for millennia. The first known use of dice dates back to 2300 BC in China, while the earliest card games were invented around 800 AD. Today, the most luxurious casinos combine opulent suites and spas with top-notch gambling to appeal to high-rollers.

With large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. To combat this, most casinos employ security measures. These can range from a physical security force to specialized surveillance departments that monitor the casino floor via closed circuit television. Some casinos also have catwalks above the casino floor that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass directly on the tables and slot machines.