A casino is a place where gambling and games of chance are played. It is a popular tourist destination and brings in revenue for the local economy. The city of Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, and other cities such as Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden have built their reputations on them. There are also casino resorts, where casinos are part of a larger complex with restaurants, hotels and other amenities.

The casino is usually designed with the gambling area in mind, but can be a large room or an entire building. There are tables for baccarat, chemin de fer and roulette; slots; card games such as blackjack and poker; and other games like keno and craps. There are also entertainment areas with stage shows, concerts and comedy acts.

In the United States, the largest casino is in Ledyard, Connecticut, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe. It is a massive complex with more than 4.7 million square feet and includes six different casinos, as well as a two-story arcade.

A casino is a place where money is exchanged for prizes, and it is legal in most countries to gamble. However, many governments regulate the industry and set standards for behavior. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it appears in most cultures at one time or another. Gambling is widely believed to have evolved from the game of pelts, which was in turn derived from dice and other early table games.