A casino (also known as a gambling house or a gaming room) is a building or room where people can gamble. It is also a place where people can socialize and enjoy entertainment events such as live music and stage shows. In addition, it may offer dining and drinks. Casinos are usually located in tourist destinations and are a major source of income for the local economy.

Although casinos have some games that involve skill, the majority of them are pure chance. As a result, the house always wins in the long run. This advantage is built into the rules of each game and is called the house edge. Casinos make money by charging customers for the use of their facilities, and from the vig (or rake in poker) taken from players who play against each other. They also generate revenue from the sale of food and beverage, and from slot machines and video poker.

Casinos have a reputation for glamour and decadence, and they often feature ornate buildings and luxurious interiors. They also offer a variety of games and attract a high number of visitors. In addition, casinos have a number of different security measures to ensure the safety of their guests and property.

In America, the first casinos were built in Las Vegas, Nevada, but they soon spread to Atlantic City and other cities. They also began to appear on American Indian reservations, which are not subject to state antigambling laws. From the 1980s onward, many states amended their gambling laws to allow casinos.