A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment offering a variety of games for gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment such as shows and sporting events.

Although casino gambling has been around for millennia, the modern casino is largely a result of technological advances in the 20th century. In the 1990s, video cameras and computer systems became widespread in many casinos. These advances allowed casinos to increase the speed and accuracy of betting and greatly expand their game selection. In addition, some casinos have implemented automated betting machines that allow patrons to place bets with the push of a button.

Casinos are generally governed by state law and must be licensed or permitted to operate. Some states prohibit casino gambling, while others limit it to certain types of Native American gaming or to land-based operations. In the United States, over 1,000 casinos are licensed. Casinos are most prominent in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but also exist in numerous other cities and towns, as well as on cruise ships, and on Indian reservations.

Casinos are designed to be a glamorous, opulent and exciting place to gamble. They are often adorned with stunning chandeliers, extravagantly decorated poker tables and overflowing bars. In these ten temples of temptation, decked out in their full splendor, the thrill of throwing your chips into the air is elevated to an art form.