A casino is a gambling establishment where customers place bets with cash or other valuables on games of chance and, in some cases, skill. Casinos have existed since ancient times, and the modern industry is dominated by a few large companies that run many of the world’s largest gaming facilities.

While casinos are usually associated with gambling, some offer other games, such as sports betting and horse racing. Some also have restaurants, night clubs and other amenities. In some countries, the word casino is used as a generic name for any type of gambling establishment.

The opulent resort and casino in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for wealthy Europeans 150 years ago, drawing royalty and aristocracy from across the continent. It’s still an upscale destination, with lavish poker rooms and dozens of blackjack and roulette tables.

Las Vegas is the most famous casino city in the world, and it and other cities are often defined by their gambling. But casinos can also be found in small towns and cities all over the world, and many states have legalized them. Some are operated by Indian tribes, which are not subject to state antigambling laws, and others are located on riverboats or in other places where gambling is permitted. In some places, such as Monte Carlo, the casino is an integral part of the city’s culture and economy. Gambling has been a part of human society for millennia, and it has continued to evolve as technology has improved and social attitudes have changed.