A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may be located in a hotel/resort, standalone building or on a cruise ship. It is also known as a gaming house or a gambling club. Traditionally, casinos were seen as places for adults only, but the gambling industry has evolved into something that is more accessible to people of all ages.

A major source of revenue for casinos is gambling, which involves wagering on games of chance or with some element of skill such as craps, roulette, baccarat and blackjack. The majority of casino games have mathematically determined odds, and the house always has a positive expected value, known as the house edge or house advantage. This is why the casino industry hires mathematicians who specialize in gambling analysis to perform calculations and develop game rules.

In modern times, a casino is often combined with other entertainment or recreational facilities such as restaurants, shops, and hotels. Some casinos have theatres and other live performance venues. Others offer a wide variety of table games, including poker and other card games, as well as slot machines.

Those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of a traditional casino may choose to play online. Online casino sites offer a wide variety of casino games, from old-time favorites like poker and blackjack to more modern video slots. They also offer a convenient and secure way to play from home, even for those with mobility restrictions or who cannot travel far distances.