A casino is a gambling establishment offering various forms of gambling, including slot machines and table games such as poker and blackjack. Many casinos are also known for hosting entertainment shows. In order to gamble in a casino, patrons must be of legal age and adhere to the rules and regulations of the establishment. Depending on the type of casino, gambling may be done with real money or virtual currency such as chips.

Gambling in some form or another has been a part of human society for millennia. The earliest evidence comes from 2300 BC China, when wooden blocks were used to play dice. Dice came to Europe in the 1400s, followed by the first card game still played today: baccarat. Throughout history, gambling has been the subject of intense debate and controversy. In modern times, it is regulated by law in most states and internationally by the United Nations and other international organizations.

Casinos can be found in nearly every country around the world, though some countries have banned them or restricted their operation. In the United States, casino gambling is most common in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. However, in the 1980s casinos began to appear on American Indian reservations and in other places not subject to state antigambling laws. Most American casinos are built around table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat; some casinos also offer poker variants and other table games. In addition to traditional gambling, some casinos have food and beverage outlets and even retail shops.