A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can participate in various forms of gambling. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are operated by government-owned or tribal enterprises, while others are owned and operated by private individuals or corporations. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sporting events.

While the most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, they have branched out to exotic locales around the globe, catering to hardened gamblers and curious novices alike. These palaces of temptation, decked out with opulent furnishings and overflowing bars, are where gambling is elevated to an art form.

Some casinos are also known for their security measures, including the use of security cameras, to prevent cheating and stealing by patrons or staff members. The casinos may also offer amenities such as Michelin star restaurants, designer stores, and top-billed entertainment shows that range from high-flying circus acts to the latest musician concerts topping the Billboard charts.

The Venetian Macau, in China, is sometimes claimed to be the world’s largest casino based on the floor space it devotes to games. However, this claim is debatable because many sites count the number of slot machines and not the total area of the gaming floor. Nevertheless, this casino is still impressively large. It is particularly popular with Chinese gamblers, who prefer table games such as baccarat and poker.