A casino is a place where people can gamble. Casinos often have a mix of different gambling games and are usually located near hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment events like stand-up comedy, concerts and sports. Casino may also refer to:
Although modern casino resorts feature many entertainment options, such as lighted fountains and shopping centers, the vast majority of their revenue is generated by games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and poker earn billions of dollars for casino owners every year. These profits are supplemented by a variety of other games, such as Asian games (like sic bo and fan-tan), two-up and keno.
Most people who visit casinos understand that the house has an edge in all games. However, they continue to gamble because of the possibility that they will win some money. Casinos do their best to keep people betting, giving them free drinks and other comps, such as hotel rooms or dinners. These comps help offset the house edge and increase the average payout for players.
The history of casinos is entwined with the story of organized crime in the United States. Mob money flowed into Reno and Las Vegas in the 1950s, and mobsters became involved with the operation of some casinos. Legalization of gambling in other states and federal crackdowns on the Mafia diminished mob influence over casinos. In recent years, large real estate investors and hotel chains have purchased many casinos and removed the mob connection.