A casino is a place where people gamble by playing games of chance or skill. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been a feature of many cultures throughout the world. A casino is a building or large room equipped with gaming tables, electronic gambling machines, and other entertainment. It may also offer food and beverages to its customers.

There are three general types of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve one or more players competing against the house and are conducted by live dealers. Random number games, such as bingo and keno, are based on the selection of random numbers.

Casinos are located in many cities around the world. The United States has the largest concentration of casinos, with Las Vegas leading the way. Several other cities, including Atlantic City and Chicago, have casinos. These casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They often have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing by both patrons and workers. These measures include video cameras, security officers, and special rules for certain games. Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to try to defraud each other or the house.