A casino is an establishment for gambling. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and federal laws. Casinos offer games of chance and often have lavish hotels. They may also feature entertainment such as musical shows, lighted fountains, and shopping centers. The billions in profits raked in by casinos each year is a primary reason why they remain popular destinations for vacationers and locals alike.

In the United States, casinos are found primarily in Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey, although a number are located on American Indian reservations outside of state lines. During the 1980s and 1990s, Iowa legalized riverboat gambling and many other states passed laws permitting casino-style gambling. The mob once controlled most of the casino industry, but real estate investors and hotel chains have bought out many of the old-timers. Aside from avoiding federal crackdowns, these legitimate businessmen have deep pockets and are willing to spend enormous sums to attract gambling tourists.

Gambling in its various forms has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. It is believed that the precise origins of gambling are unknown, but it is generally accepted that it has a long history in many societies around the world.

Despite the fact that most gamblers understand that the house always wins, they do not stop playing. They play for the thrill of winning and to try to improve their financial situation. To make this possible, casinos try to keep players at the tables as long as possible by offering free drinks. This is why casinos lack clocks and windows; they want players to be unaware of how much time has passed.