A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports matches. The term casino may also refer to a small gambling house. The first recorded casino was the Orient Saloon in Bisbee, Arizona, built over a century ago, in 1900.

Casinos make their money from players who place bets on games of chance. Though musical shows, lighted fountains and elaborate themes help lure in tourists, the billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos each year come from the clinking of slot machines, shuffling of cards, and throwing of dice.

The history of the casino is closely linked to that of gambling itself. In the US, for instance, the emergence of legalized gambling in Nevada in the 1930s spurred the growth of Las Vegas and other “destination” casinos. This expansion was funded by organized crime figures who were able to supply casinos with the capital necessary for growth and to offset the industry’s seamy image.

Many modern casinos have a theme, such as those themed after film or television series, and these often provide unique experiences for their patrons. For example, the Zombie Casino, an online casino with a zombie theme, offers an array of gambling games, as well as hotel rooms and non-gambling facilities such as bars and restaurants. The site also features a wide range of promotional deals for new and existing customers.