A Casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can play certain types of casino games. These games include, but are not limited to, video poker, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and craps. Casinos may also offer other entertainment, such as live music and shows. They are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions.

The majority of casino games are based on chance and in some cases have an element of skill involved. Most casino games have a mathematical advantage for the house, or croupiers, over the players, which can be expressed by the concept of expected value, sometimes called expected return on investment (ERP). Casinos earn money in these games by taking a percentage of all winning bets or charging an hourly rate for the use of the tables. The casino may also provide free drinks, food, and other amenities to gamblers.

The success of a casino depends on its ability to attract patrons and keep them engaged in the gaming experience. To this end, casinos employ a variety of marketing and psychological tactics. For example, the lights in the casino are designed to be pleasing to the eye and sound effects such as bells and clangs of dropped coins are played to entice customers. The casinos are also staffed with croupiers who encourage gamblers to continue playing by shouting encouragement. In addition, many casinos give out complimentary items to their patrons, known as comps. These are often based on the amount of time and money a patron spends in the casino, as well as their game preferences and wagering patterns.