A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance and, in some cases, skill. Craps, roulette, blackjack, poker, keno and baccarat are among the most popular casino games. Often casinos also offer food and drinks, and feature stage shows and dramatic scenery to draw in customers. Although modern casinos have a number of amenities to lure customers, they would not exist without games of chance.

Casinos make their money by taking a percentage of each bet, which is known as the house edge. In addition, some casinos earn a commission when players buy chips or exchange them for cash. These fees are known as rakes. Some casinos have loyalty programs that give patrons complimentary items or comps. For example, many Las Vegas casinos give high rollers free suites, meals and show tickets. In the past, casinos marketed themselves by offering deeply discounted travel packages and buffets to encourage people to visit.

The modern casino has several advantages over its predecessors, including a wider variety of gambling options and the use of technology to monitor game results. Computers can supervise betting chip movements, enabling them to track the exact amount wagered minute by minute and warn supervisors of any statistical deviation from expectations. In addition, video cameras and computers can automatically verify winnings and losses and prevent cheating or stealing.

The most popular casino game is slot machines, followed by table games like blackjack and poker. Other games include baccarat, roulette, keno and scratch cards. Some casinos offer traditional Far Eastern games, such as sic bo (which became a very popular game in American and European casinos in the 1990s), two-up, fan-tan and pai-gow.