A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where various games of chance are played for money. Casinos are a major source of revenue in many countries around the world. They add a wide array of amenities and services to attract customers, such as restaurants, free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery. In addition to the traditional table games like baccarat and blackjack, casinos often offer video poker, roulette, and more. Some also have Far Eastern games, such as sic bo (which spread to several European and American casinos in the 1990s), fan-tan and pai-gow.

Gambling houses are generally regulated by law. They are required to keep a certain percentage of their money in reserve to cover their losses. To help them manage their reserves, casinos employ mathematicians who calculate the house edge and variance of each game. These professionals are known as gaming mathematicians and analysts.

Despite their reputation for being places where people can find instant riches, casinos are in fact quite profitable enterprises. They generate substantial profits through a combination of luck and marketing. Casinos draw huge crowds, especially from the United States, where they are legalized in states such as Nevada. In addition, casinos boost local economies by drawing tourists and promoting tourism-related businesses.

The typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female with an above average income. She is most likely to visit Las Vegas, Nevada, where casinos are abundant, according to a 2005 study conducted by Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS. These studies surveyed 2,000 adults and included face-to-face interviews.