A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and skill, and in many cases provides food, drinks and entertainment. Casinos can be found in cities, states, and countries around the world, and are often built in combination with hotels and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also serve as a focal point for other types of entertainment, including concerts and sports events.

Casinos typically offer a wide variety of games that can be played on-site or off, including dice and card games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, as well as video and slot machines. The machines are operated by croupiers or dealers, and the casino’s employees supervise them to ensure that all rules are followed. Some casino games are designed to be social, such as baccarat and poker, which require players to interact with each other. Others, such as craps and roulette, are considered table games because the player’s wagers are against the house rather than against other players.

In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and local laws. In the 1980s, they began to appear on American Indian reservations, which are excluded from state antigambling laws.

Successful casinos generate billions of dollars each year for the owners, investors, and companies that operate them. They also contribute to their host communities in the form of taxes and other fees. However, studies indicate that the negative impact of compulsive gambling outweighs these positive effects. Problem gamblers divert money from other forms of recreation and can result in family discord, job loss, and bankruptcy.