A casino is a building or large room where people can play gambling games. It is also a place where people can watch entertainment like performances or sports events. Some casinos serve as resorts and offer other amenities such as restaurants and bars. They may also have exhibits of art or host events. Some casinos are operated by government-licensed organizations, such as the Nevada Gaming Commission, or may be private establishments.

The history of casinos and gambling dates back thousands of years. Evidence of dice games dates to 2300 BC in China, and card playing appeared in Europe in the 1400s. The first modern casino opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1978, and others have since appeared on American Indian reservations and on riverboats. The United States has the highest concentration of casinos and is the largest gambling market in the world.

Most casinos feature table games, such as blackjack and craps, that are conducted by croupiers. In addition, they often have slot machines and video poker. Many of these games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage over players, which is called the house edge. Most casinos accept bets within established limits, and it is rare for a patron to win more money than the casino can afford to pay out. Some casinos make their profit by taking a percentage of the total pot, or rake, while others, such as poker rooms, collect a flat fee from each player.