A casino is a facility where people can gamble for real money. They usually offer a wide range of gambling games and are located in cities with high population density. A modern casino is often connected to a luxury hotel and has an elaborate theme. Many casinos offer a variety of promotions and bonuses to attract customers. These may include deposit matching or free spins on popular slots.

The precise origin of gambling is not known, but it has been a part of human culture for millennia in one form or another. The modern casino industry has several major players, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and is an important source of revenue for local governments. Various jurisdictions have different laws regulating the casino industry. Some, such as Nevada, have legalized casino gaming as a way to boost the local economy. Others have regulated gambling but limit the number of casinos, or restrict the types of games offered.

In the United States, there are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve one or more players competing against the house rather than each other, and are conducted by casino employees known as croupiers or dealers. Random number games, such as roulette and bingo, are based on the selection of random numbers by a computerized system or other means.