A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide range of games of chance. It is often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships and other entertainment venues. Some casinos are internationally renowned, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas or the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco. Others have a local reputation, such as the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany.

A casino’s primary attraction is its gambling opportunities, which include poker, blackjack, roulette and other table games, as well as slot machines. Most of these games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage over the players. This edge is called the “house edge” or “vig.” Casinos earn their profits from a variety of sources, including the vig, and also by giving out comps to players. Comps are free goods or services given to high-volume gamblers, such as hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows or even airline tickets.

While many people think of Las Vegas when they hear the word casino, there are hundreds in the United States and around the world. Some are small and intimate, while others are massive megacasinos with multiple floor levels, stunning decor and a mindblowing array of games. There is also a growing number of casinos that offer non-gambling activities such as swimming pools, bars, gyms and restaurants. Some are even family-friendly. Like all businesses, casino operators must deal with the risk of cheating and theft, either in collusion or independently.