What Is a Casino?

A casino, also known as a gaming house or gambling establishment, is an establishment for the conduct of certain types of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and other tourist attractions. In some cases, casinos are operated by government-owned or private corporations. The term is derived from the Portuguese word for garden or outdoor area, which is consistent with the original intention of the founders of the Monte Carlo Casino when it opened in 1863.

While lighted fountains, musical shows and lavish hotels may help draw visitors to a casino, the vast majority of a casino’s profits come from the gambling itself. The games of chance such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps are responsible for billions of dollars in revenue generated by casinos each year.

Besides the traditional table games, casinos offer other forms of gambling. Many casinos offer Asian games such as sic bo, fan-tan and pai gow. Other games that are common in Nevada and other American casinos include keno and video poker.

Gambling is addictive and compulsive gamblers generate a disproportionate amount of the profits that casinos make. Economic studies show that casinos bring a net negative impact to a local economy in terms of lost productivity and the cost of treatment for problem gambling. For this reason, casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security. They are also careful to choose locations that are convenient for high-stakes gamblers. They often provide these players with a private room and other amenities that enhance their experience.