A casino is a building or room where people can play gambling games. The term is also used for places that offer extras such as restaurants, stage shows and lavish hotel accommodations.

Casinos are business organizations that make money by providing a certain long-term advantage to their owners (known as the house edge), while offering the players a chance of a short-term profit. Casinos employ mathematicians specializing in game theory to help them plan their profits and ensure that the house edge is not exceeded. Players who can beat the house edge are referred to as advantage players.

Because casinos are businesses, they need to be financially profitable in order to stay in business. They therefore have to provide a high level of entertainment and amenities to attract and keep customers. This can include floor shows, buffets and free drinks. Some casinos have even been known to host a range of luxury items such as Hermes and Chanel boutiques and New York’s swanky Le Cirque restaurant.

In the United States, the Bellagio in Las Vegas is perhaps the most famous casino. It has been featured in many movies and TV shows, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Sin City. The casino’s fountain show is especially popular and has become a signature feature of the property. Other casinos around the world have similar features, and the number of casinos is growing quickly as disposable income in developing countries increases and laws loosen.