A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide range of games of chance, and in some cases skill, such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. In addition to these games, some casinos offer other types of entertainment, such as stage shows and dining options. Casinos are usually located near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships.

The precise origin of gambling is not known, but it has been popular throughout history in nearly all cultures around the world. In the United States, it was made legal in Atlantic City in 1978 and, from the 1980s on, began appearing on American Indian reservations, which were not subject to state anti-gambling laws.

Casinos make money by giving away complimentary items or comps to gamblers, and by taking a percentage of bets, which is called the vig or rake. This gives them a built-in advantage over players, which can be as small as two percent. Casinos use their edge to attract customers and keep them playing, by adding luxuries such as restaurants, free drinks, and stage shows.

A casino is a business, and it has to pay its employees, rent or buy property, maintain equipment, and advertise. It also has to comply with gaming laws, and it may be subject to periodic inspections by gaming control boards or law enforcement agencies. In many countries, casinos are owned and operated by private corporations. In other countries, such as the United States, they are government-owned.