A casino is a place where people can gamble on games of chance. Usually the term is used to refer to a facility that offers table games like blackjack and craps, as well as card games such as poker and baccarat. It may also refer to a place that features electronic gaming machines.

In the United States, casinos are regulated by state law. Some are privately owned, while others are operated by governments or Native American tribes. Many casinos are located in cities that have legalized gambling, or on tribal lands that have been granted federal recognition. Some of these are very large, and contain multiple floors, restaurants, bars and gambling tables. Other casinos are smaller and more intimate.

To attract patrons, some casinos offer free drinks and stage shows. They also encourage players by offering comps, which are items or services that the casino gives to a player for playing at their facility. These include free hotel rooms, show tickets, meals and even limo service and airline tickets for heavy gamblers. The amount of money a gambler spends is a factor in determining whether or not the casino will give out a comp.

To maximize profits, casinos must know the house edge and variance for each of their games. They hire mathematicians and computer programmers to do this work. Some casinos have their own in-house experts, while others outsource this work to independent specialists. Some casinos also hire consultants who specialize in helping people overcome problem gambling.