A casino is a special establishment that allows people to gamble and spend time with their friends while enjoying various drinks and food and having the chance to win money. These gambling places are located all over the world and are known as the biggest source of entertainment for tourists. Apart from gambling, casinos also offer hotels, restaurants, non-gambling game rooms, bars and swimming pools. Some casinos even have their own theaters and live entertainment events.

The casino industry is booming worldwide. It is estimated that by 2025, the global market will be worth USD 126.3 billion. Some of the fastest growing markets include China, the US and Europe. The top 5 countries with the largest number of casinos are Nevada, New Jersey, Chicago, Atlantic City and Macau.

In modern times, casinos focus on high rollers (people who bet large amounts). These customers are given special rooms and are treated to free luxury suites, dining and entertainment. They are also given a lot of comps, or complimentary items. Casinos make much of their profit from these high-stakes players.

In the past, casinos were largely mob-run operations. However, real estate investors and hotel chains realized that the casinos had potential for making a lot of money and bought out some of the gangsters. Today, the casino business is more regulated and legitimate. Federal crackdowns and the threat of losing a license at the slightest hint of mafia involvement keep organized crime out of most casinos.