A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance for money. These include card games such as poker and blackjack, table games such as roulette, craps and baccarat, and other games of chance like keno and bingo. Some casinos also offer sports betting and live entertainment. Casinos are usually located in or combined with hotels, restaurants and retail shops. They may also be found aboard cruise ships and in some tourist destinations.

Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice appearing in ancient archaeological sites. However, the casino as a place for people to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Italian aristocrats often held private parties at places called ridotti, where they could try their luck with everything from pinatas to the famous game of baccarat [Source: Schwartz].

In modern times, a casino is a large building that houses several types of gambling activities. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies. In others, they are privately owned and operated.

Casinos make money by taking a percentage of each wager placed by patrons. This advantage, known as the vig or rake, can vary by game. For example, a European casino will reduce its edge on the popular game of roulette to attract small bettors, while American casinos seek a lower percentage on more aggressive games such as craps and baccarat.