A casino is a building or room where gambling games are played. Casinos are designed to attract gamblers and generate profits for their owners. They are often decorated with elaborate themes and features like lighted fountains, shopping centers, lavish hotels and replicas of famous landmarks. Most casinos also offer a variety of entertainment options such as musical shows, stage shows and restaurants.

Gambling in some form or another has been a part of human culture since ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome. Modern casinos take advantage of a universal fascination with chance by providing a wide range of gambling opportunities. Casinos are a major source of revenue for many cities and states, but critics say the social and economic costs outweigh any initial benefits.

Casinos make their money by charging a fee to players for the use of their facilities. This fee is usually called the vig or rake. It can vary by game and is often lower than two percent. The vig is used to pay dealers, pit bosses, and other staff. It is also used to cover overhead expenses such as food and drink. Casinos also profit from the billions of bets placed by players each year. These bets give the house a built-in statistical advantage, which can be as low as one percent for some games and higher for others. Various methods are employed to prevent cheating and tampering, such as cameras and other surveillance equipment. In addition, rules of conduct and behavior are strictly enforced.