A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. It may be combined with a hotel, restaurant, retail shops, or other entertainment venues. Some casinos focus on providing extravagant inducements to gamblers, such as free spectacular entertainment and luxurious living quarters. Others are known for focusing on customer service and offering comps to regular players (free drinks, buffets, tickets to stage shows).

Casinos are social places, designed around noise and light and the excitement of gambling. They are populated with people shouting encouragement, and the tables are often filled with men and women wearing colorful outfits. There are waiters circulating with alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages are offered free of charge. Some casinos even offer food, though this is less common.

The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is clear that it has been present in almost every society throughout history, in some form or another. Casinos have been popular worldwide, and many are renowned for the opulence of their design and layout, the variety of games available, and the level of skill involved in some of them.

The modern word casino is derived from the Italian town Ridotto, which was originally a meeting place for local businessmen to discuss gambling and other affairs. The first modern casino was built in Monte Carlo, which continues to be the most famous casino in Europe. It is a world-famous tourist attraction, and its design has been emulated by numerous other casino designers.