A casino (also known as a gaming hall or a gambling establishment) is a place where people can play gambling games. These games are usually based on chance, but some are based on skill as well. Some casinos also offer dining and entertainment options.

Casinos can be found in most countries where gambling is legal. Some are specialized in certain types of gambling, such as the famous Monte Carlo casino in Monaco which only offers table games. Other casinos are larger and have a wide range of gambling options, like the Las Vegas Sands casino complex in Nevada.

Gambling in all its forms has been a part of human society for millennia. The earliest evidence of gambling comes from China around 2300 BC, followed by dice in Rome around 500 AD, and then cards in the 1400s. Modern casinos have become increasingly sophisticated, employing the latest technology to track and record player activity and betting patterns. This information is used to detect abnormalities, such as a player tilting the deck of cards, and to provide a more individualized experience for each customer.

There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines are primarily electronic devices that allow players to compete against the house, while table games involve one or more players competing against each other and are conducted by casino employees called croupiers or dealers. Random number games, such as roulette and baccarat, generate random numbers using a computer or other mechanical device.