A casino is a place where people wager money on games of chance or skill. The games offered may include card, dice and random number games as well as electronic machines like slot machines and poker machines. In addition to gaming, casinos offer luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and live entertainment. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is a famous example of a casino and has attracted many visitors since it was featured in the movie Ocean’s 11.

Gambling is an entertaining pastime, but compulsive gambling can have serious negative effects on your life. Learn how to recognize the signs of a problem and get help.

Almost every casino game has a built-in advantage that the house will win more than it loses, and that is what gives a casino its gross profit. This mathematical expectancy is also called the house edge or expected value, and it varies from game to game. Because of this virtual assurance of profit, casinos are able to offer their big bettors extravagant inducements in the form of free spectacular entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and luxurious living quarters.

The first casino was opened in Atlantic City, and later other American states amended their laws to permit gambling. In the 1980s casinos began appearing on American Indian reservations, which were not subject to state antigambling laws. Today there are more than 3,000 legal casinos in the world. Some are located in glamorous hotels and casinos such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which is well known for its dancing fountains, luxury accommodations, and high-end art installations. Others are in smaller cities and towns where people enjoy playing table games such as blackjack and roulette.