A casino, or gaming house, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other entertainment facilities. Casinos can be found worldwide and are regulated by government authorities. Patrons must be of legal gambling age to enter a casino and play games. The games typically involve spinning wheels, dice, cards, or electronic devices. Historically, the term casino also referred to a public hall for music and dancing. The first modern casinos appeared in the United States in the late 19th century.
Almost all casino games provide a house advantage over the long term, although some have an element of skill and can be beat by players who are skilled at them. Those who are skilled at these games and can eliminate the house edge, or even win consistently, are called advantage players. Casinos typically make money from their advantage players by charging a commission, or rake, on the bets they place.
Many casinos have become a major tourist attraction and a source of revenue for their host city or region. Many have been featured in television shows and movies, and some are even landmarks in their own right. In the United States, some casinos are also resorts, or have other amenities such as swimming pools, shopping, and spas. These casinos are usually larger and have more games than smaller ones. They may also offer more amenities such as celebrity chefs, ice bars, and other entertainment features.