A casino is a place that allows gambling. Merriam-Webster defines the word to include “a building or room used for social amusements, specifically gambling.” When most Americans think of a casino, they probably imagine one of the megaresorts on the Las Vegas strip, dazzling with neon lights and a host of fun activities. But the term casino can also refer to smaller establishments that offer fewer amenities, such as those found in some Native American casinos.

People gamble in casinos by playing games of chance, or in some cases with a small element of skill, such as poker and blackjack. In all of these games, the house has an advantage over the players, a mathematical edge known as the house edge. Casinos make their money from the profits of these games, as well as from food and beverage sales and a small commission on slot machine winnings (called the rake). Casinos also try to encourage gambling by giving patrons complimentary items and free tickets to shows. These perks are called comps.

Gambling is a popular pastime among many Americans. It can be a great way to relax and have some fun, but it can become an addiction that interferes with life and relationships. To help prevent gambling problems, there are counseling and support resources available. The National Council on Problem Gambling and state-based hotlines can provide confidential assistance, and some casinos have programs to aid problem gamblers.

The first casinos in the United States were run by mobster gangs, but as more and more states legalized gaming, real estate developers and hotel chains began to buy out the mobsters and take control of the business. Today, some casinos are owned by major companies, including Donald Trump and the Hilton hotel chain. Others are run by Native American tribes and are regulated by their respective governments. The North American Industry Classification System code for casinos is 713210.