A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place where people can gamble on games of chance or skill. The word comes from the Latin causa, meaning “fate” or “luck.” Casinos have a uniform character worldwide: they offer a variety of games to the public, typically including craps, roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as slot machines and video poker. Many casinos serve food and drink, and some even host live entertainment acts. The casinos themselves are often themed and may be a major tourist attraction in their own right.
The modern concept of a casino is the result of several historical developments. In the late 19th century, several states amended their laws to permit casino gambling. These changes coincided with the growth of railway travel and the development of automobiles, which made it possible to reach formerly remote destinations in a reasonable amount of time. Casinos are also found on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling laws. In the United States, the largest casino is located in Las Vegas. Other famous casinos are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Reno, Nevada; and Chicago.
Most casinos have a predictable long-term advantage over the players, which is called the house edge. Some casinos have a skill element, which allows players to eliminate this advantage or reduce it to a small percentage; these players are called advantage players. A casino’s profitability depends on its ability to attract and keep customers. To this end, it employs security personnel and enforces rules of behavior. Casinos also make money by charging a vig or rake on certain games.
The earliest use of the term was before 1701, according to the OED. In the early 1700s, the word was used in British colonial America to refer to an informal social gathering. During the same period, the French colonial town of Santo Domingo was home to the first established gambling house in the Western Hemisphere. The casino was a center of local social life, and it served as an important source of revenue for the Spanish colonial government. The casino’s role as an entertainment venue expanded in the 19th century, with the introduction of stage shows and dancing. Today’s casinos have evolved into sophisticated entertainment complexes, featuring five-star hotel rooms, Michelin star restaurants, and high-profile concerts and performers.