A casino is a gambling establishment, a place where people gamble by playing games of chance. Almost all casinos feature a variety of gaming machines and table games. Table games include blackjack, roulette and baccarat, which are operated by live dealers. Many of these games have a skill element, and players who understand basic strategy can reduce the house edge. The casino earns money by taking a percentage of the bets placed by players, known as a vigorish or rake.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, with evidence dating back to 2300 BC in China. The modern casino originated in Europe in the second half of the 19th century, when France opened the first public gambling halls. Originally, these were a mixture of social and gambling halls; by the mid-20th century they had become purely recreational spaces.

Casinos today offer a wide range of games, from baccarat and chemin de fer to blackjack, video poker and slot machines. They also have various entertainment options, such as restaurants and bars. Most casinos employ security measures to protect patrons and their property, including closed circuit television (CCTV) systems and manned security guards.

Some of the most luxurious casinos are located in cities around the world. In the United States, the Las Vegas Strip is famous for its lavish hotels and casinos. Other popular casino destinations include Atlantic City, Macau, and the gambling center of Monte Carlo in Monaco. Some casinos are built in beautiful natural settings, such as the Grand Lisboa in Macau, which is a skyscraper surrounded by water.