A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They may also feature live entertainment shows. Some casinos specialize in particular games, such as poker, blackjack, or slot machines. Casinos in the United States are usually licensed and regulated by state governments. Some are operated by Indian tribes. In some cases, casinos are run by private companies.

Most casino games are based on chance, with some involving an element of skill. Most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house has a long-term advantage over players, known as the house edge (or vigorish). Some casino games, however, provide players with a better opportunity to win, or can be played against other players rather than the casino (such as poker), where the house takes a rake from each pot.

Casinos are usually divided into three categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines are games of chance that use a standardized interface to enable players to place bets without the need for a croupier or dealer. Table games are a type of card game that requires human interaction and are conducted by dealers. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers, either from a centralized computer system or by other means such as a dice table.

New York City is home to a number of casino venues, but most are located upstate and require a hefty road trip for NYC dwellers to reach. Despite this, the city is considering allowing online casinos in the future.