A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports events.

In general, casino patrons gamble by playing games of chance, or games with a small element of skill. Many casinos offer a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and video poker. Typically, the house has a mathematical advantage over players in these games, and it is therefore very rare for a player to win more than the house does on any given day. To compensate for this, casinos usually offer large bettors extravagant inducements, such as free spectacular entertainment and transportation, free hotel rooms and meals, or reduced-fare gambling tickets.

The casino industry generates millions of dollars in revenue each year, and many factors contribute to the profitability of a particular casino. For example, a casino may invest in new gambling innovations and floor renovations to keep its patrons interested. This can be expensive, but it may increase annual profits significantly.

A casino may also provide other amenities to its patrons, such as bars, restaurants, and theaters. For example, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is famous for its Roman-themed architecture and celebrity entertainment. The hotel has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, and Elton John. In addition, it features top-notch hotels and spas.