A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons can gamble by playing games of chance or skill. Most casinos offer a wide variety of gambling products, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker. Some also offer video games like keno. Some casinos, especially in the United States, are known for their lavish entertainment and high-end restaurants. The Bellagio is one such example, and it became internationally famous after being featured in the 2011 movie Ocean’s 11.
Most games offered at casinos have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house a constant profit over the players. The advantage is called the house edge, and is usually expressed as a percentage. In addition to the game odds, casinos may make money by charging a fee for service (e.g., drinks or cigarettes), imposing limits on bets, and taking a percentage of money won by players.
The casino industry is a major employer and contributes to the economy of the host city or region. Some casinos are operated by government-owned or tribal organizations. Others are private businesses. In some jurisdictions, casinos are required to pay taxes on their profits. In the United States, tax revenues from casinos are often used for public services such as education, social welfare, and infrastructure. In addition, casinos help boost tourism in the local area by offering convention facilities and other amenities to attract visitors. They also serve as an important source of revenue for Native American tribes.