A casino (also called a gambling house or kasino) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants and other entertainment venues. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities. This article takes a look at the history of casinos, popular casino games and how they are played, how casinos make their money, how casinos stay safe and the dark side of gambling.

Unlike other forms of entertainment, where the success or failure is left entirely to chance, casino games have built-in advantages that guarantee a casino a certain gross profit on every game played. These advantages are known as the house edge, and they ensure that in the long run, a casino will always come out ahead. Those who have sufficient skill to eliminate the house edge, however, are able to achieve a short-term gain and are known as advantage players.

The casino is an environment designed to maximize the gambler’s experience, from the entrance with its fountains and lighted trees, to the interior design that creates a sense of wealth and luxury. Its decor varies, but most casinos attempt to give off an air of expensive taste, with everything from lavish carpeting to carefully controlled lighting. Many casinos also offer free comps (rooms, dinners, show tickets or limo service) to their high-spending patrons. In this way, the casino tries to encourage gamblers to play for longer periods of time and at higher stakes.