A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can legally gamble. Casinos are usually combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other entertainment venues. They are most famous for their slot machines and table games like blackjack and roulette, but they can also feature poker rooms, sports betting, and other forms of gambling.

Casinos make money by giving their patrons a built-in advantage over other players, which can be small but add up over the millions of bets placed in a casino. This edge, which is called the vig or the rake, helps casinos cover overhead costs and attract customers. Casinos also generate profits from nongambling activities like dining, shopping, and live entertainment.

While most people think of Las Vegas when they hear the word “casino,” there are actually more than a dozen major gambling destinations around the world. Many of them are much larger than their American counterpart, with sprawling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Some are renowned for their exotic locations, while others are known for their high-stakes gambling and star-studded entertainment.

As the demand for casino gaming has grown, so has the industry’s focus on size. Resorts race to be the biggest in their region or even the world, packing their properties with more games and attractions. They are bolstering their offerings with high-end hotels, spas, and restaurants to appeal to wealthy clients. At the same time, they are concentrating on improving security to deter cheating and other violations of their rules.