A casino, or gambling house, is a building or room where people can play various casino games, such as poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and craps. Some casinos also have restaurants and bars. Many of these buildings are located in or near hotels, resorts, or other attractions such as golf courses. In the United States, there are a number of large commercial casinos. Many of them are located in Nevada, where various forms of gambling have been legal since 1931. In addition, the state has a number of smaller gambling establishments located within other cities and counties. Many casinos are run by Native American tribes.

Casinos can be the center of controversy and conflict. Patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, in collusion or independently; most casinos have security measures in place to prevent this. These measures vary from venue to venue, but generally include the use of cameras and other technological tools, as well as rules regarding the display of cards and other information. In some cases, casinos may be regulated by government agencies.

Historically, casinos were often located in the major cities of Europe and North America, such as Monte Carlo, London, Paris, or New Orleans, while more recently they have moved to suburban locations. This shift in the location of casino gambling has been partially driven by the development of mass-market gaming machines and the expansion of the international air travel industry, which has made it easier for people to reach destinations where casinos are located.

As a result, the number of casinos in the United States and other parts of the world has grown substantially over the past few decades. This expansion has been fueled in part by growth of the casino industry in Nevada, where different forms of gambling have been legal since 1931. Other factors have included the rise of Native American casino gaming, especially in Arizona and Oklahoma, as well as the continued popularity of Las Vegas as a tourist destination.

In the United States, the largest casino is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The second-largest is Foxwoods in Connecticut, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. While primarily a casino, Foxwoods is also a huge resort with multiple hotels, restaurants and other amenities.

Among other things, the casino features the usual range of table and slot games, as well as a lively area dedicated to sports betting. This makes it a popular choice for both hardened gamblers and those looking to try their hand at something new. There are even tables where players can flick a coin against the backdrop of the iconic MGM Grand sign.