A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money. It may have a variety of other entertainment options, such as restaurants and shops, but the core business is gambling. The modern casino often resembles an indoor amusement park, with its lighted fountains and stage shows, but it would not exist without the games of chance that make it possible. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and craps are among the most popular casino games, and together they bring in billions of dollars in profits each year.

Although the term casino is usually associated with gambling, it can also refer to a building or room where certain social activities take place, such as a meeting place or a dance hall. In Italy, the word is also used for a country house. During the 1980s, casinos began to open on American Indian reservations, which are not subject to state antigambling laws. They also began to appear in several Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and Cuba.

In addition to games of chance, most casinos offer table games like poker and black jack. They also have sports books, and many feature horse races. Some casinos also have arcades and a full range of dining choices, from steakhouses to seafood and sushi.

Casinos try to persuade customers to gamble by offering them perks like free drinks and rooms. These perks are known as comps. During the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos gave away trips to Europe on private jets, discounted hotel rooms and free show tickets. These perks were meant to increase the volume of patrons and the amount of money they gambled.