A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is an institution where people can gamble by placing cash or other items of value on events with random outcomes. Some casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, or cruise ships. Others are stand-alone buildings. In modern casinos video cameras and computers routinely supervise games to spot any statistical deviations from expected results.

In many countries, casinos are highly regulated. Some casinos are operated by governments or religious organizations, while others are run by private businesses. In the United States, casinos are generally regulated by state law. Many states limit the number of casino operations to one or two per city, county, or state. Some states prohibit televised gambling and have other restrictions on gambling. Individuals with a gambling addiction may go to casinos as a way of escaping into a fantasy world where they are free from their problems. These individuals may spend several hours at a single machine, unable to stop until their bankroll is exhausted.

Gambling is a popular pasttime worldwide, and casinos are often designed to influence the behavior of visitors. Some are designed with a playground feel, incorporating high ceilings and beautiful decor to make people feel relaxed. A casino can also be a maze of slot machines, causing players to lose track of where they are and forcing them to play for longer periods of time. Other casinos are designed to encourage people to play by making them feel as if they are in a club or bar. These types of casinos are often staffed by employees who can help individuals with a gambling problem.