A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. They may also be designed as a standalone entertainment complex. In some countries, casinos are regulated by law. Some are run by government-owned enterprises, while others are private enterprises. The word “casino” derives from the Italian word cazino, which means small box.
Most casino games are played against the house, with players betting against the house rather than each other. A very small percentage of bets make a big difference to the casino’s profit, and this is how the business makes its money. This advantage is known as the house edge. Casinos also earn money by charging customers a fee, called a vig or rake. This is an extra charge over the odds paid on winning a game.
Gambling is very popular in the United States, especially in Nevada. As of 2008, 24% of Americans had visited a casino in the previous year. Casinos generate a significant portion of Clark County’s revenue and are an important source of employment in the state, particularly for low-income residents. Casinos employ a large number of local workers, including dealers, slot attendants and table managers. The majority of these employees are female.
The term casino can refer to a variety of gambling establishments: in the United States, the most famous is probably the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, which opened in 1863 and continues to attract the rich and glamorous. It is still considered to be one of the most beautiful and sophisticated casinos in the world.
Other famous casinos include the Venetian and Wynn in Las Vegas, the Grand Lisboa in Macau, and the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany. These casinos are highly decorated and designed with an eye to maximizing profits. They feature bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings, which are thought to stimulate and cheer gamblers. Windows and clocks are rare in casino interiors, because it is believed that they encourage gamblers to lose track of time and spend more money.
Casinos have a very strong focus on customer service and many offer complimentary items to patrons, such as drinks and cigarettes while gambling. This is done to encourage gamblers to continue playing and to reward high-spending patrons. Casinos are also notorious for their promotional campaigns, which can include free spectacular entertainment and discounted travel packages.
The early years of the 20th century saw a great deal of mob involvement in casinos. However, real estate investors and hotel chains with deep pockets bought out the mob and took over. Federal crackdowns on gangster involvement in casinos helped to clean up the industry. Today, casino gambling is mostly legal and regulated. It is common for major hotel-casino companies to own and operate several properties. Casinos are also a significant source of income for many municipalities and regions. Some casinos are designed to be more extravagant than others, and some are even themed after landmarks.