A casino, also known as a gambling house, is an establishment where people can gamble. The games played at a casino include a variety of card games, dice, roulette, and slot machines. Some casinos feature a variety of other entertainment, including concerts and live sports. The word casino is derived from the Italian cazino, meaning “little house.” Casinos are widespread worldwide and can be found in many cities and countries. In some places, such as Las Vegas in the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated. In other areas, such as the British Virgin Islands and some Caribbean countries, casinos operate in accordance with local laws and are overseen by government bodies.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for many governments. The money generated by patrons who gamble at these institutions is often used to support public services such as education, health, and welfare. In addition to offering a wide range of gaming opportunities, most casinos offer food and beverage services, hotel rooms, and entertainment.

The most famous casino in the world may be the Venetian, which offers a unique setting on one of Venice’s Grand Canals. Designed to be the most glamorous casino in Europe, it attracts royalty and aristocracy as well as ordinary tourists. It has over a million LED lights and boasts a three-ring rotating stage for live performances, among other features. Other big casinos include the Wynn in Las Vegas, the Casino de Paris in France, and the Gran Teatro del Circunvalado in Macau, east Asia’s version of the Strip.