A casino, also known as a gaming establishment or a gambling hall, is a facility where various games of chance are played. The games offered vary by location and game type, but generally include poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Many casinos add a variety of other entertainment and dining options to their gaming floor, such as restaurants and bars. Some casinos are famous, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and attract visitors from around the world.

Casinos make money by charging a commission on bets, or a “rake” to players. This is usually a small percentage of the total amount wagered, and is based on how the player plays each game. The exact rake can vary between casinos and games. In addition, some casinos offer additional services to high rollers who gamble large amounts of money, such as free hotel rooms, restaurant meals and limo service.

Gambling in some form or another has been part of human culture for millennia, with the first evidence appearing in 2300 BC China with wooden blocks used for betting. Dice and playing cards made their appearance in Europe about 500 AD, and the first modern casino opened in Monte Carlo in 1863.

While some argue that a casino brings in revenue to a local economy, others assert that the cost of treating problem gambling and lost productivity from gambling addicts offsets any economic benefits. Also, some cities have banned casinos because they erode property values.