A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various forms of gambling, including games of chance and in some cases skill. Some casinos also offer entertainment and dining options. Most casinos are equipped with security measures in place to prevent gambling fraud, and many casinos have special areas where gambling is prohibited or heavily restricted. Casinos are usually supervised by a gaming commission or other regulatory body.

Casinos may be located in large buildings or halls built especially for the purpose, or in converted theaters or other venues. They typically feature multiple game tables and slot machines, and may also include restaurants and bars. Some casinos are known for their lavish decor and opulent atmosphere, while others focus on high-stakes games and a more serious approach to gambling. Some have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on activities at the table and in the slot machines.

The term casino is derived from the Spanish word caón, meaning “room”. Gambling has long been a part of human culture, with early evidence of dice and cards dating back millennia. In modern times, it is widespread around the world and is legal in many countries.