From the glitz of Las Vegas to the pai gow tables in Chinatown, casinos are a fixture in the entertainment world. Some are incredibly glamorous and attract celebrities and high rollers. Others are more low-key but still offer the thrill of gambling and gaming. Regardless of their size, location or reputation, all casinos have one thing in common: They are meant to be gambled in.

In the United States, the casino industry has become a major tourist attraction and is growing at an unprecedented rate. The global casino industry is expected to grow by more than USD 126.3 Billion by 2025 and US-based casinos will contribute significantly to this growth.

The precise origin of gambling is not known, but it is generally believed that in some form or another it has been seen in almost every society in history. From Ancient Mesopotamia and Greece to Napoleon’s France and Elizabethan England, many cultures have engaged in games of chance for entertainment.

Today, the modern casino is a complex facility that provides a variety of services and facilities to meet the needs and desires of all types of visitors. In addition to traditional table and slot machines, most casinos feature restaurants and bars, luxury hotels, spa services and other amenities. The most popular casino game is blackjack, followed by roulette and craps. In the US, the average casino patron is a forty-six year old female from a household with an above-average income.