A casino is a gambling establishment that offers patrons the opportunity to wager money on games of chance and skill. Casinos are also known for offering complimentary services and entertainment to gamblers, including free or discounted travel packages, food, drinks, show tickets, and hotel rooms. In many countries, casinos are operated by private businesses or by government-licensed organizations.
Until the 1960s, most casinos were owned by organized crime figures. They financed their operations with proceeds from illegal rackets such as drug dealing and extortion. Mob money gave casinos a seamy image that deterred legitimate businessmen from investing.
As casinos became more mainstream, owners sought to promote them as entertainment destinations. They created lavish bars and restaurants, hired celebrities to entertain gamblers, and offered a variety of gambling opportunities. The success of these enterprises fueled a growth in the popularity of casino gambling.
Today, casino gamblers come from all walks of life. Casinos are found in resort towns such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno; on cruise ships; and in many other cities and countries around the world. Some are large and luxurious, with multiple restaurants and thousands of slot machines; others are small and intimate.
Successful casinos generate billions of dollars in profits for their owners, investors, and customers. They are a major source of income for state and local governments. They are also major employers. The average casino customer is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. They are most likely to play slots and bet on sports, but they also like table games such as blackjack and poker.
