A casino is a building or room equipped with gambling devices and tables. In a casino, patrons may place bets against the house or against other players. Some casinos specialize in specific games, such as roulette and craps, while others offer a variety of gaming options. Casinos are a staple of the modern world’s leisure industry, with customers flocking to them for entertainment and relaxation.

Casinos are big business, bringing in billions of dollars each year for the companies and investors that operate them. They also provide jobs and tax revenues for local communities. In addition, casinos often serve as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience their unique gaming offerings.

The casino industry is a major contributor to the economy of many countries. The United States, for example, has over 200 commercial casinos. These establishments are classified by the federal government under a six-digit code number within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS code for casinos is 713210.

A casino’s primary goal is to make money. It accomplishes this by offering its patrons a virtual guarantee of gross profit. To entice large bettors, the casino offers them lavish inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, transportation, elegant living quarters, and other privileges. Smaller bettors are encouraged by a low house edge on most games. The revenue generated by slot machines and video poker machines is the economic mainstay of many casinos, with some demanding only a 1.4 percent advantage over the player.