A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos offer table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Some also have sports books and keno. In addition, many casinos have video poker machines and other mechanical games. Many casinos combine these activities with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and entertainment facilities.

There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees to play. Table games, such as baccarat and blackjack, involve competition against the house and are conducted by live dealers. Random number games, such as roulette and keno, use a combination of numbers chosen at random by a computerized system.

In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments. In Europe, casino licensing is overseen by the national gambling authority of a given country. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is believed to have existed in many societies throughout history.

In the modern sense of the word, the casino has evolved from its early beginnings as a social gathering place to an entertainment center that offers many different forms of gambling, food, drink and other amenities. Some casinos are designed for luxury, with opulent dining rooms and lounges, while others are geared to low-cost, high-volume gaming. Still others have a more casual feel and cater to a niche market.