A casino (or gaming house) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourist attractions, while others are independent. The games played in casinos are mostly chance-based, with a small number of games involving skill. In addition, many casinos offer complimentary items (known as comps) to high-volume patrons, such as free drinks and food. Some casinos have a dress code.

Gambling is a popular pastime in many countries and cultures, and the casino has become an important source of revenue for some states. It is estimated that in 2009 casinos brought in over $39 billion in worldwide revenues, and in 2014 the total was $59.2 billion. Despite the widespread popularity of casino gambling, the practice is controversial. It is believed that casino games are addictive and can lead to gambling problems, especially for those who are not in control of their spending.

The modern casino industry is regulated by government statute and professional organizations. Some casinos are owned by religious, charitable, or social organizations and some are operated by local governments. A few are located on American Indian reservations and are not subject to state laws governing casinos.

There are many ways to gamble in a casino, including table games like blackjack, craps and roulette, as well as video poker and slot machines. Several casinos use special technology to oversee their games, such as video cameras and microcircuitry in betting chips that interact with electronic systems that record the exact amount of money wagered minute-by-minute.