A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and skill. These games may include poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots. In addition, some casinos offer non-gambling amenities such as restaurants and bars. Some of the largest casinos are in Las Vegas, while others are located around the world. Some casinos are incorporated as independent businesses and are owned by companies, investors, or Native American tribes. In other cases, they are operated by state or local governments. Successful casinos generate billions of dollars each year for their owners, investors, and customers. They also create jobs, and pay taxes that benefit local communities.

While the exact origin of casino gambling is unknown, it is clear that gambling in some form has been part of nearly every culture throughout history. The earliest known casinos were found in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Later, they were popular in Rome and Elizabethan England. Today, there are more than 1,000 casinos in the United States, and hundreds of others around the world. These facilities range from massive resorts in Las Vegas to small card rooms. Several countries have legalized casino gambling, and many more have decriminalized it.

Some casinos specialize in particular types of gambling, such as sports betting or horse racing. Most modern casinos are built with extensive gaming amenities, including top-notch hotels, spas, and restaurants. Some even host major events like the World Series of Poker. Casinos reward their loyal patrons with free goods and services, called comps. These can include hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, and limo service. However, some critics argue that the negative economic impact of compulsive gambling outweighs any benefits that casinos bring to a community.