A casino (also known as a gaming house or a gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are standalone facilities, while others are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, or other tourist attractions. Some casinos are operated by government-owned enterprises, while others are owned and operated by private individuals or corporations. In some jurisdictions, the term casino may also refer to a publicly-owned and regulated facility for sports betting.

The casino industry is a major source of income for many governments and is a significant driver of tourism. In some countries, casinos are regulated by law to ensure that the proceeds from gambling are distributed according to a set of rules and regulations. Casinos are also a popular way to raise funds for charity and social welfare programs.

Gambling has been part of human culture for millennia. Its earliest forms are believed to date to 2300 BC in China, when wooden blocks were used for games of chance. Dice appeared in Europe around 500 AD, followed by card games such as poker and baccarat in the 1400s.

Casinos make money by combining the mathematical expectancy of each game with other factors such as the house edge and variance, in order to maximize their gross profit. Those who study and analyze these mathematical aspects are called gaming mathematicians and programmers.

Some of the world’s most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas. The Bellagio, for example, is renowned for its top-end poker rooms and was featured in the movies Ocean’s 11 and 21. Its opulent interior design includes an eight-acre lake, exclusive fashion stores, and the world-famous dancing fountain show.