A casino, also known as a gambling house or gaming room, is a place where people can gamble and win money. These establishments may also serve food and drink and are located in many countries around the world. Casinos may be operated by governments, companies, or individuals. They usually offer a wide variety of games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. Some casinos also feature entertainment such as shows or concerts.
The history of casino gambling stretches back millennia. The oldest known dice game dates to 2300 BC China, and the first card games appeared in the 1400s. Modern casinos are typically large, luxurious buildings that feature multiple gaming tables and electronic gambling devices. Some are incorporated as full-scale hotels, while others stand alone or are associated with restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions.
In the United States, legal casinos are mostly located in Las Vegas and Atlantic City; they may also be found on American Indian reservations and other locations outside of state antigambling laws. Several states have casinos in operation, and there is significant interstate competition for visitors. Some of these casinos are extremely large, with more than a thousand slot machines and table games, and employing thousands of employees. Casinos make most of their money from customers who gamble, with the house taking a small percentage of all wagers. This advantage is mathematically determined, and the difference between expected value and actual payouts is called the house edge. In games where skill is involved, such as blackjack and video poker, the house edge can be reduced through careful play.