A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are combined with hotels, resorts or restaurants, and some are known for hosting live entertainment like stand-up comedy or musical acts. The exact origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been part of human culture.

Gambling in some form is found in almost every society. In modern times, many casinos offer a wide variety of games. Generally, the house has a mathematical edge over the players, but strategies can be employed to reduce that advantage. Casinos make their money by generating more winning bets than they lose, and by charging for services such as drinks and food.

In some jurisdictions, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies. This ensures that the games are fair and the operators responsible. Casinos may also employ security measures to prevent cheating and robbery. These include security cameras, sophisticated security personnel and the use of secret observers.

The largest concentration of casinos is in Las Vegas, Nevada, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago. A growing number of states have legalized casinos. Some operate on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling laws.

Some critics argue that the economic value of a casino to a community is negative, because it diverts local spending from other entertainment and causes problems with compulsive gambling. They further contend that the costs of treating problem gambling and lost productivity from its victims offset any gains from casino revenue.