A Casino is an establishment where people can gamble on various games of chance. Casinos often include table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as slot machines and poker rooms. They also feature restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment options. Casinos are also known for giving out complimentary goods and services to big bettors, such as free shows or hotel stays. This is sometimes called comping.

Casinos are designed to be exciting and glamorous, so they employ a wide range of visual tricks to create the right atmosphere. For example, windows and clocks are rarely found in casinos, so patrons can spend hours gambling without realizing it. Casinos also use special lighting and sound effects to create the right mood, such as music and simulated rainfall.

Although gambling may have existed as early as recorded history, the modern casino as a place for a variety of games under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, during a gambling craze in Europe. The aristocracy of the day often held private parties called ridotti, where they would play dice and other games.

While most casino games have some built in advantage for the house (known as the vig or rake), it is very rare for a casino to lose money in the long run. This virtual assurance of profit is what allows casinos to offer large bettors extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment and transportation, reduced-fare hotel rooms, and even limo service and airline tickets.