A casino is a gambling establishment, especially one offering poker and other card games. Some casinos also offer sports betting and other forms of gaming. Often, these facilities are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. The word casino is derived from the Italian word casona, which means “little house.” In modern usage, a casino may refer to any facility for certain types of gambling.

Casinos vary widely in size, layout and game offerings. Most feature table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and some feature a variety of Asian-inspired fare, including sic bo, fan-tan, and pai gow. In addition, most casinos feature slot machines and other electronic games such as video poker. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state laws. Some casinos are owned by local governments, while others are franchises. Many American Indian reservations also operate casinos.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, and casino gambling has grown to become an important industry in many countries. Some of the world’s most famous casinos are renowned for their luxury, and many travelers visit them just to experience the thrill of being in a high-stakes gambler’s paradise. But just as popular are the less-known, intimate, old-school places that serve up cheap chips and laughs. We’ve rounded up the best casinos by reputation and impact, including some that are sure to be on your bucket list.