A casino, also known as a gaming house, is a place where people can gamble on games of chance or skill. Most casinos offer a variety of gambling options, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Some casinos specialize in particular types of games or are located in exotic locales.

Casinos are regulated by government authorities to ensure that they operate fairly and responsibly. They often offer a variety of promotions and rewards to attract players and increase their profitability. These promotions and rewards can include cash back, comps, or free play. They can also include hotel rooms, meals, or other entertainment.

Gambling in some form has been part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of gambling in China dates to 2300 BC, and dice first appeared in Europe around 500 AD. In the 1600s, baccarat was introduced and, in the 1800s, blackjack became popular. Today, there are more than 3,000 legal casinos in operation worldwide.

In some games with a high degree of skill, the house has an advantage over the players, which can be measured mathematically and is called the house edge. In games of chance with an element of skill, such as blackjack and video poker, the house edge is more variable and can be reduced by practicing basic strategy.

In some countries, the term casino may also refer to a large building or room where gambling is conducted. It may also refer to a company that owns and operates a large casino.