A casino is an establishment for gambling and entertainment, often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers or cruise ships. It offers a variety of games of chance, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. Many casinos are also known for their high-end entertainment options, such as theaters and live music. Some have themed attractions, such as lighted fountains and other shows.
While the glitz of casinos, their fancy restaurants and extravagant hotels draw in visitors, the money that they make from games of chance is what really keeps them going. Slots, table games, blackjack and other popular casino games provide the billions of dollars in profits that U.S. casinos rake in every year. Other sources of income for casinos include musical shows, a wide range of dining options and retail shops.
Something about the large amounts of cash that pass through a casino encourages both patrons and staff to cheat or steal, whether in collusion or independently. Because of this, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security measures.
Among the most famous casinos in the world is the Bellagio, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its dancing fountains, luxurious rooms and breath-taking art installations have made it a top destination for tourists as well as a frequent movie location (the 2001 film Ocean’s 11 was set there). The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany has been home to the world’s oldest casino since its opening in 1900. Featuring baroque flourishes, it is still considered one of the most beautiful casinos and features red and gold poker rooms around its dozens of blackjack and roulette tables.