A casino or gambling establishment is a building or room where people can play a variety of games of chance for money or other prizes. Some casinos also offer restaurants, free drinks and stage shows. Most countries have laws regulating the operation of casinos. Some, such as those in Las Vegas, have strict rules about who may enter and who can gamble.

A few casinos are renowned for their elegance and sophistication, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, famous for its dancing fountains and luxurious accommodations. Other casinos are based on entertainment, such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which was made famous by the movie Ocean’s 11. Still others have a reputation for action and high-stakes betting, such as those in Atlantic City.

Casinos make their money by taking a percentage of the money that people lose or win on their machines. This is called the house edge, and it varies by game. Some games, like blackjack and video poker, have an element of skill, but the majority are pure chance. A casino’s profits are also generated by its rake, which is the amount of money that it collects from players who pay to sit at the table or play video poker.

Casinos are a huge industry. In addition to the obvious attractions of their gaming floors, many now offer hotels, restaurants, non-gambling game rooms, bars and even swimming pools. Some are competing to be the largest in their region or even the world.