A casino is a place where gamblers can indulge in their favorite gambling games, such as slot machines, craps, roulette, poker, and baccarat. Many casinos offer food and drinks, and some are themed. They also feature a wide variety of entertainment options, such as musical shows and lighted fountains. Casinos make money by charging bettors a fee called the house edge, which is built into the odds of each game. The house edge is usually less than two percent. Casinos also collect commissions from video poker and blackjack players and take a percentage of the winnings on some games such as craps.

Casinos depend on a large number of visitors to generate profits. They often advertise heavily in national magazines and television to draw in visitors from all over the country. Some casinos are designed to look like European castles, while others are modeled after famous cities or landmarks, such as Monte Carlo and the Las Vegas Strip. Some casinos are also known for their luxurious accommodations and entertainment offerings, such as gourmet restaurants, shopping, and shows.

Although the word casino has a shady reputation, it has attracted many legitimate businessmen and investors. The first casinos were funded largely by organized crime, however, and mobster money gave the industry a reputation that has persisted to this day. Casinos are still favored by mobsters and have attracted a large number of illegal activities, including drug dealing and extortion.