A casino (plural: casinos) is a place where people can gamble on games of chance, or at least try to win money. Casinos can be large resorts, like those in Las Vegas, or small card rooms. People can play cards, table games and slot machines at these venues. Casinos also offer free drinks and stage shows to keep patrons entertained. Successful casinos bring in billions of dollars each year for their owners, investors and Native American tribes. They also generate tax revenue for local governments.

Most casino games involve some element of skill, but luck is the primary factor in determining winners and losers. The house edge, or the expected value of a bet, is defined mathematically for most games. Casinos make money by charging a commission on winning bets, known as the rake. They also take a percentage of losing bets, called the floor fee.

The business model of a casino is to maximize profits by attracting and keeping high rollers, or gamblers who spend a lot of money. To do this they offer perks, or comps, to attract and reward these high rollers. These can include free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows and even limo service. The more money a gambler bets, the higher their comp level. These perks have made some casinos the most profitable in the world. However, the societal costs of compulsive gambling often outweigh any economic gains. These costs include the social disruption caused by gambling addiction, and the shift in spending from other forms of entertainment to the casino.