A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These gambling dens are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and/or other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies to ensure fair play and security. The term casino can also refer to a game of chance, in which players place wagers with cash or other items of value on various possible random outcomes. Many casino games have a skill element, such as blackjack and baccarat. The mathematical expectation of winning at these games is uniformly negative (the house edge), and the casino earns money by taking a commission from player bets, known as the rake.

The world’s most famous casino is the Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1863 for Prince Albert I of Monaco. This lavish establishment is renowned for its architecture and atmosphere, and it attracts high rollers from around the globe. The Monte Carlo Casino’s income supports a number of social activities and charities. The casino’s gambling operations are overseen by the Government of Monaco. The casino is one of the largest sources of revenue for the principality. In the United States, casinos are usually licensed and regulated by state governments, although some have been built on Indian reservations and do not fall under state antigambling laws. The American casino industry has grown rapidly since the 1980s, and several former prohibitionist states have legalized casinos. Most modern casinos offer a wide variety of electronic and table games.