A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a building or room where certain types of gambling activities take place. In the United States, casinos are typically regulated by state law and offer various types of games of chance to patrons. Many of these casinos are built in conjunction with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and even cruise ships.

Like any other business in a capitalist society, the goal of any casino is to make money. Successful ones rake in billions of dollars every year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. This money allows casinos to build extravagant hotels, fountains, towers, and replicas of famous landmarks.

Casinos are largely governed by the rules and regulations of their respective states, though some are owned and operated by federally recognized Native American tribal governments. They are typically open 24 hours a day and provide numerous entertainment options, from restaurants and bars to shows and attractions.

There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, allow players to compete against the machine without the involvement of any casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, require the supervision of casino employees called croupiers. Random number games, such as roulette and bingo, generate winning numbers based on the selection of random numbers.

Casinos are categorized by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 713210. In addition to offering games of chance, some casinos also feature dining, entertainment, and other luxury amenities. This makes them popular with both locals and tourists.