A casino, or gambling hall, is a place where people gamble with cash or other items of value. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, with records dating back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known games of chance were played with dice and with cards in Mesopotamia, China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe. Modern casinos are regulated by law and offer a variety of gambling options, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

Unlike most other types of gambling, casinos are open to all ages and income levels, and offer an array of entertainment activities beyond gambling. Casinos also serve as anchors for tourist destinations, and many feature luxury accommodations, restaurants, bars, shows, and clubs. They are designed to keep patrons engaged and spending money, by offering free drinks and other incentives.

Most casino games have a built-in, long-term advantage for the house, but some, such as blackjack, allow players to reduce this edge through skillful play. Those who can eliminate the house edge are known as advantage players and may make large profits. Casinos typically generate profit by taking a percentage of the total bet, or vigorish, and by charging hourly fees for certain machines, such as video poker.

Despite their obvious attractions, casinos can cause problems for local communities and societies. They can damage property values and encourage people to spend more than they can afford, leading to credit card debt or other financial ruin. They also create jobs that could be better filled by other businesses.