A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling hall, is an establishment that offers various types of gambling. It may also offer other entertainment activities such as concerts, sporting events, and shows. Often, casinos are built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and cruise ships. In the United States, the term is most commonly used for facilities that primarily feature table games like blackjack and poker.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for centuries, with the earliest casinos probably being small, clubhouse-type establishments that opened when large public gambling houses were prohibited. By the latter half of the 20th century, nearly every country in Europe changed its laws to permit casino gambling. Today, the modern casino is a giant indoor amusement park for adults, with many of the same trappings as any other theme park: musical shows, lighted fountains, elaborate themes, and a massive array of gambling games that generate billions in profits each year.

The majority of casino profit comes from table games such as baccarat, chemin de fer, and blackjack. Slot machines, craps, and roulette are also popular. Some casinos specialize in particular games, such as trente et quarante in France or sic bo in China. Despite the emphasis on games of chance, most casinos also have other tables for card games such as poker and backgammon. Security is another major concern, with most casinos featuring numerous cameras mounted on the ceiling and staffed by trained personnel.