A casino is a place where people can gamble on games of chance. These games may include blackjack, roulette, poker and slot machines. A casino can also offer other amenities such as restaurants, bars and entertainment shows. To enter a casino, patrons must be of legal age and follow the rules and regulations of the establishment.

Originally, casinos were mob-owned and operated. When the mob was driven out by federal crackdowns and competition from other gambling establishments, real estate investors and hotel chains jumped into the casino business. Their deep pockets allowed them to buy out the gangsters and operate their casinos without the need for mob interference. This gave rise to the modern Las Vegas casinos and other large destination casinos that attract visitors from all over the world.

Casinos make money by charging a percentage of all bets placed at their tables and slots. This is called the house edge or vigorish. This advantage can be very small, less than two percent, but it adds up over time and the millions of bets placed in a casino each year. Some casinos also charge a fee for dealing cards or another small fee for playing video poker.

Some of the best casinos in the world are located in exotic destinations, such as Venice, Monaco and Singapore. They combine the thrill of gambling with a rich cultural experience that appeals to many people. This appeal is often fueled by the fact that these locations are featured in movies and other media.