A casino (plural: casinos) is a place where people can gamble on various games of chance. These include gaming machines and table games, such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Casinos also offer other entertainment, such as shows or concerts. Some casinos are owned and operated by governments, while others are private enterprises.

Most casino games have an element of luck, but some have a skill component as well. Players who have sufficient skills can eliminate the inherent long-term house advantage of a game, resulting in a profit known as an edge. Edges in casino gambling are usually very small, but some are very large. Casinos generally earn their profits by taking a portion of the money bet by patrons, which is called a vigorish or rake.

Gambling has been part of human culture for millennia, starting with the Chinese game of tai chi in 2300 BC and the Italian game of gioco del re, or jacks, in 800 AD. In modern times, casino games have become very popular around the world, and are found in most countries that permit gambling.

The biggest casino in the world is Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility has over 530, 000 square feet of space and features four themed gaming areas. Besides the usual gaming offerings, Caesars is famous for its live entertainment and has presented performances by luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Cher, Elton John, Mariah Carey, and Madonna. The resort has also served as the home for residencies by numerous other famous celebrities and artists.