A public room or building where the playing of games of chance for money is the principal activity. Typically, these establishments feature gaming tables and slot machines. They may also offer other entertainment activities such as live music, shows, and dining. Some casinos are incorporated as part of hotels, while others are independent structures. The name casino is derived from the Italian word for “house.”

Gambling in some form is found in almost every culture. People have been betting on the outcome of events for thousands of years, and some form of it continues to be a popular pastime today. In addition to the traditional games of chance, modern casinos use technology to keep track of players’ bets and ensure fair play. For example, some casinos monitor their table games with catwalks that allow security personnel to look down on the action through one-way glass. Other technology enables casinos to track the exact amount of money being wagered at each game minute-by-minute, so that any statistical deviation is quickly detected.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was a favorite playground for European royalty 150 years ago, and the casino in this refined resort still attracts big bettors with its exquisite baroque flourishes and red-and-gold poker rooms. While this casino’s location overlooking a picturesque harbor doesn’t match the prestige of its sister hotel in Las Vegas, it does attract hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies.