A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps are the main games that provide the billions of dollars in profits for casinos each year. Other casino games include poker, video games, and table games where players compete against each other rather than the house.
Casinos are also known for their lavish decor and wide range of entertainment options. They have restaurants, hotels, non-gambling game rooms, bars, swimming pools and other attractions to attract visitors. Some of the largest and most famous casinos in the world feature massive interior spaces, mindblowing architecture, and hundreds of gambling options.
While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers help draw in the crowds, casinos are really all about the games of chance. They would not exist without them, and the millions of tourists who visit them each year would likely find other entertainment options if they did not have access to these games.
While a few casinos may be smuggled in to a town by mafia members, most are owned by real estate investors and hotel chains who have deep pockets. They have been able to purchase out the mob and keep the government from cracking down on their gambling businesses. However, some economists argue that the cost of treating problem gambling addictions and the loss of productivity caused by compulsive gamblers more than offsets any gains a local casino might make.