A casino is a special establishment where people can play gambling games. Most casinos also offer various drinks and meals. Gambling in its various forms has been a part of human civilization for millennia. It has become a popular pastime and has generated billions of dollars in profits for the industry. It is legal to gamble in many countries.

In the modern casino, customers gamble by using gaming machines, table games and random number generators (RNGs). Gaming machines are operated by machine operators. Table games are conducted by casino employees called croupiers or dealers. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers from a computerized RNG or other devices.

The casino industry has expanded to include land-based casinos, online gambling sites and sportsbooks. There are over 1,000 casinos in the United States, with Las Vegas leading the pack. It is estimated that gambling generates over $40 billion in revenue each year.

Casinos are a major tourist attraction and are often built in resort areas to attract visitors. Some cities are known primarily for their casinos, while others specialize in specific types of gambling. Those that are renowned for their entertainment venues have attracted famous entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Elton John.

Casinos have been portrayed in many films and television shows. Some have been depicted as luxurious, opulent and exclusive; the Monte Carlo Casino, for example, has been portrayed in films and books such as Ben Mezrich’s Busting Vegas.