A casino, also called a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place where people can gamble. Some casinos offer a variety of games, such as blackjack and roulette. Others focus on one game, such as poker. Most casinos have a host or dealer who oversees the games. The casino makes its money by taking a percentage of each pot or charging an hourly fee to play. The casino may also give out complimentary items or comps to players, such as free drinks or food.
Most casino games have a built-in advantage for the house, which is mathematically determined and is known as the house edge or vigorish. This advantage ensures that the casino will make a profit over the long term, regardless of how many people play the game. However, some games have a skill element, and players with sufficient skills can eliminate the advantage or reduce it to zero. These players are often referred to as advantage players.
The popularity of casino games has led to the development of a wide range of related businesses, such as casino hotels, restaurants serving casino fare, and nightclubs. In some countries, the government regulates casinos. In the United States, the legality of casino gambling varies from state to state. New York City, for example, has a long history of legalized gambling, but it currently prohibits online casinos. Other cities, such as Las Vegas, have become famous for their casinos.