A casino is a gambling establishment that offers customers a variety of gaming options. These include games of chance like blackjack and roulette, as well as slot machines and poker rooms. Some casinos also feature live entertainment and top-notch hotels and spas.

The Bellagio in Las Vegas is perhaps the world’s best-known casino, famous for its dancing fountain show and luxurious accommodations. The casino has featured in many movies and television shows, and is a must-see for any visitor to Sin City. Other famous casinos include the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, and the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon.

Casinos earn money by charging a commission on the amount of money players win. This is known as the house edge, which varies by game and rules. In some cases, such as with blackjack and Spanish 21, the house edge can be reduced through basic strategy. In other games, such as poker, the house has a fixed advantage, which it may share with gamblers through bonuses or comps.

Most countries have legalized casinos to some extent. The largest concentration of casinos is in the United States, where there are more than 1,000. Other popular casino destinations include Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Chicago. In some cities, such as Las Vegas, the casinos are the main attraction, while in others they are a minor part of the local economy. The word casino derives from the Italian noun casin, meaning ‘little country house’.