A casino (or casin) is a facility where people can gamble on games of chance or skill. It is also a gathering place for spectators and patrons of entertainment shows. Casinos are owned and operated by private individuals, corporations, or even sovereign nations. They generate billions of dollars each year for their owners, investors, and employees. They also pay taxes and other fees to local, state, and federal governments.

Casinos are usually large, luxurious buildings that feature many different gambling games and attractions. Some casinos specialize in a certain type of game, such as poker, blackjack, or roulette. They may also feature a variety of restaurants and bars. Some are located in resorts or hotels, while others are freestanding buildings.

In the United States, there are more than 100 casinos. They range from massive Las Vegas strip mega-resorts to small card rooms. Those that are legal to operate in the United States offer a wide selection of gambling products, including slots, table games, and card games such as poker, chemin de fer, and baccarat. Most casinos also have a variety of video poker machines.

In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. Almost half had some college education, and about one-third had a graduate degree. Several studies have found that a significant percentage of casino patrons are problem gamblers. These people spend more money than they can afford to lose and frequently have other serious problems.