A casino (plural: casinos) is an establishment for gambling. It offers slot machines, table games, and sometimes entertainment shows. Its customers are typically of legal age to gamble and must adhere to the rules and regulations of the establishment. The casino industry is expanding, and there are now more than 1,000 casinos worldwide.

The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is known that it has existed in various forms throughout history. In some form or other, it can be found in almost all societies around the world. Casinos have become one of the most popular forms of gambling and are a major source of revenue for many governments.

There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines are played by one or more players, and they compete against the machine instead of each other. Table games are conducted by casino employees called croupiers, and they involve some element of skill on the part of the players. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers from a computerized system.

Some casinos specialize in particular types of games, such as baccarat or blackjack. They may also offer live dealer tables or other special games, such as pai gow and sic bo. Others offer a variety of classic and modern games, with varying themes. Some casinos are especially known for their tournaments, offering cash prizes and even exotic trips as the top prize.