A casino (plural: casinos) is a building or room that houses gambling activities. It features a variety of games of chance and often includes restaurants, free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery. Casinos also have high security measures to prevent unauthorized entry and theft. They are a major source of revenue for many states.

Casinos make money by generating winning bets for their customers. Each game has a built-in statistical advantage for the house, which can be as low as two percent. This profit, known as the vig or rake, allows casinos to finance huge buildings with spectacular fountains, towers, and replicas of famous cities.

To maximize profits, casinos entice gamblers with free rooms and other amenities. They also employ a variety of marketing tactics to attract players. Some have used sex to lure gamblers, while others offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages and snacks. Casinos also try to limit losses by encouraging responsible gambling and by offering programs to treat problem gamblers.

During the 1950s, legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in casinos because of their association with organized crime. But mobster money flowing into Reno and Las Vegas gave owners the capital they needed to expand. Eventually, mobster ownership of casinos waned as real estate developers and hotel chains realized the lucrative potential of gambling. Today, casino owners rely more on cameras and computer technology to ensure the integrity of the games and the safety of the guests.