A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance or skill. Customers can bet money on games of chance, such as craps, roulette, and baccarat, or on skill-based games such as blackjack and video poker. Some casinos are built as standalone gambling facilities; others are located inside other types of entertainment complexes, such as hotels, resorts, or restaurants. A few casinos are also known for hosting a variety of live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy shows and concerts.

There are more than 1,000 casinos in the United States and hundreds more in countries around the world. Casinos can range from large, Las Vegas-style resorts to smaller, neighborhood establishments. Some are even found on cruise ships. Casinos are typically open 24 hours a day and offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and card games. In addition, many casinos feature high-end restaurants and entertainment options.

The history of gambling dates back to ancient times, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at some of the earliest archaeological sites. However, the idea of a casino as a venue where people could find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not emerge until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Wealthy Italian aristocrats gathered at private parties, called ridotti, to gamble and socialize.

Modern casinos are highly regulated to ensure that patrons do not lose more than they can afford to lose. Most casinos have a mathematical advantage over players, which can be expressed as the house edge or expected value. This advantage can be reduced through skillful playing and by taking advantage of rules that favor the player, such as counting cards. Casinos can also make additional money by charging a commission on the winnings of players, which is known as the rake.

In most jurisdictions, casinos are governed by gaming boards that oversee the integrity of the casino. Gaming boards are responsible for regulating the games, ensuring that employees do not cheat or steal, and maintaining an atmosphere that is conducive to gambling. Gaming boards often require that casinos hire independent auditors to verify their financial statements.

Despite their popularity, casinos are not without controversy. Critics argue that they divert money from local businesses and hurt property values in surrounding areas. They also claim that casinos encourage gambling addiction, and studies show that the cost of treating problem gamblers more than offsets any economic benefits a casino might bring to a community. In addition, some communities have banned casinos altogether. Others have enacted regulations to limit their size and scope. Still, others have taken steps to promote responsible gambling and help problem gamblers overcome their addictions.