A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can gamble. Casinos are sometimes combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops or other tourist attractions. They can also be found on cruise ships and in some military installations.
In modern times, casinos have become a major source of entertainment and tourism, drawing visitors from all over the world. They are often themed and offer a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker. In some cases, they may include a full-scale theater or other stage show for live entertainment.
Casinos earn billions of dollars each year for the investors, companies and Native American tribes that own them. They generate even more revenue for state and local governments through taxes and fees. They also bring in large numbers of tourists who spend money on hotel rooms, restaurants and other amenities.
The vast majority of casino revenues come from the sale of gambling chips and the resulting winnings. However, many other casino expenses can erode profits, such as the cost of treating problem gambling and loss of productivity by gamblers who are addicted.
In order to make money, a casino must have a built-in statistical advantage over the players. The exact amount can vary from game to game, but it is usually less than two percent. To gain an edge over the players, a casino must offer a wide selection of games and be willing to lose some chips in order to win others.