A casino is a gambling establishment that houses various games of chance and, in some cases, live entertainment. Many casinos feature a wide variety of gaming options and provide top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, and other amenities to attract guests. Some have even developed their own themes, such as a Hard Rock Casino inspired by music, which features song lyrics on the walls and in the decor and offers nongambling games to appeal to the entire family.

The casino industry is a huge part of the economy, generating billions in revenue each year for owners, operators, and state and local governments. The United States is home to more than 1,000 casinos, with Las Vegas claiming the largest number. Casinos are also located on American Indian reservations and in other states where tribal governments have legalized gambling. Casino game machines are also found at racetracks, which are called racinos, and in bars and other places where gambling is legal.

In general, casinos are designed to encourage gambling by offering perks to the highest-spending patrons. These perks are known as comps, and they can include free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, and even airfare or limousine service. The idea is to lure gamblers away from the competition offered by other casinos, which can then use their resources to attract more and larger bettors. This strategy has been successful; it is not uncommon for a casino to have a profit margin of over 20%.