A casino (plural: casinos) is a gambling establishment. Historically, these establishments were located in cities and towns that could afford them, but nowadays they can be found nearly everywhere. The United States is home to more than one thousand casinos.

Casinos are a large source of employment, particularly in cities like Las Vegas. They also are a major source of tax revenue for many states. They offer a variety of gambling activities, including keno, roulette, and blackjack. Many also include restaurants and bars. Some offer live entertainment such as opera and ballet.

In games with a skill element, the house edge is the casino’s expected profit over the long term from optimal play. In a game such as poker, the casino earns money from a small percentage of each hand dealt, known as a rake. Casinos also employ technology to monitor their operations. For example, a machine called “chip tracking” allows casinos to keep track of the exact amount of each bet minute-by-minute, while electronic systems in blackjack and roulette allow the casino to oversee the accuracy of each spin.

Many American casinos are located on reservations, which avoid state antigambling laws. These facilities often are smaller and offer fewer games than their opulent counterparts, but they may be more affordable. In addition, they are often easier to operate because the laws regulating them are less complex.