A casino (also known as a gaming house or gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and other entertainment facilities. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events, such as concerts and stand-up comedy.

In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and local law. Most casinos offer a variety of games, including dice and card games such as blackjack and poker, and video poker. In addition, some casinos feature race tracks and sports pools and offer pari-mutuel betting. Some states have prohibited casino gambling, while others permit it in some form.

The games offered by a casino are generally based on chance, although some have elements of skill. Most of these games give the casino a predictable long-term advantage, which is known as the house edge, while offering players the possibility of a short-term gain. In games such as baccarat and roulette, the casino makes its profit by taking a percentage of the bets placed, or by charging an hourly fee to play. Casinos may also host regular poker games where patrons compete against each other. Many American casinos also have shows or fine dining, which can be an attractive distraction from the gambling floor and an opportunity to celebrate a win or commiserate over a loss. Guests are usually required to be 21 or older to gamble. However, some states have enacted laws allowing minors to loiter in areas of the casino where casino gambling is permitted.