A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can gamble and win money. Most casinos offer a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and video poker. In addition, some casinos host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy or concerts. Casinos may also be connected to hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. Some states have legalized casinos, while others have banned them or restricted their operations. In the United States, Las Vegas is the best-known gambling center. Other popular gambling destinations include Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Chicago.

Most casinos are designed to stimulate the senses, with bright and often gaudy floor and wall colors and sounds of bells and whistles. Some casinos avoid clocks on the walls because they are believed to distract patrons from concentrating on their game. Casinos are also designed to keep players at the tables for longer periods by using a variety of techniques, such as slowing down the games and offering complimentary items like food and drinks.

Despite the flashy advertising and marketing, casinos are not without their problems. Compulsive gambling and other forms of addiction contribute to losses in the millions of dollars to the industry, and economic studies indicate that the net impact is negative for communities that host casinos. Critics point out that gambling revenues attract local residents who would otherwise spend their money on other forms of entertainment, and that the costs of treating problem gamblers and lost productivity offset any gains from gambling.