A casino is a place where people play games of chance and wager money. Often, these games involve some degree of skill, but the vast majority of the profits made by casinos are the result of random chance. While musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate hotels may help draw in the crowds, casinos would not exist without the games of chance themselves. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other games provide the billions of dollars in profits that casinos rake in each year.

Most casinos make their money by requiring a small percentage of every bet to be paid to the house, which is called the vig or rake. This advantage can be as low as two percent, but when multiplied by the millions of bets placed each year, it provides a steady flow of cash that allows casinos to build lavish hotels, giant pyramids and towers, and spectacular fountains and replicas of world famous landmarks.

Many of the same games found in casinos have been played since ancient times, with a variety of rules and strategies. Some are social in nature, involving direct interaction with other players, while others are more solitary, such as poker and the game of dice. While the precise origin of gambling is not known, it can be traced to nearly every culture throughout history. In modern times, however, the casino has developed a unique identity as a luxurious and glamorous entertainment center.