A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may also be known as a gaming house, a gambling den, or a kasino. It has a variety of games and features live entertainment, top-notch hotels and spas, and a wide range of bonuses. Casinos are located in cities, resorts, cruise ships, and other tourist destinations. Some casinos are owned by governments, while others are privately operated. Some casinos specialize in particular games, such as baccarat and blackjack. Others offer a more varied selection of table and slot machines.

Most casinos have built-in advantages that ensure they will make money, even if most players lose. These advantages are mathematically determined and can be expressed in terms of odds and expected value, and they vary from game to game. In games with an element of skill, such as poker, the house earns money via a commission called the rake. In games of pure chance, such as roulette and slot machines, the house advantage is usually a little less than one percent.

The casino industry is regulated by both state and local laws. Many states have passed legislation to regulate it, while other have outlawed it altogether. In the United States, legal casino gambling is mainly limited to Las Vegas and a few other locations in Nevada. The state government relies on this form of gambling to generate significant tax revenues. Other states have legalized it on Indian reservations or on riverboats. In the late 20th century, a few more countries liberalized their laws on gambling.

In Europe, some of the best-known casinos are in Monte Carlo (founded in 1863), Cannes, and Divonne-les-Bains. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, was a popular playground for European royalty and the aristocracy 150 years ago; German actress Marlene Dietrich once said it was “the most beautiful casino in the world.”

In Asia, there are casinos in Macau and Singapore. The former Portuguese territory of Macau was the first Asian casino to open, in 1979, and has since become the center of a gambling industry that is a major source of income for the Chinese region. Casinos in Macau are renowned for their lavish décor and luxurious amenities, including opulent suites, spas, and fine dining. These casinos are visited by high-rollers from all over the world.