A casino is a gambling establishment where customers gamble money on games of chance or, in some cases, skill. In the United States, the term is also used for table games such as blackjack and craps that are conducted by live croupiers. A casino may also host tournaments of poker in which players compete against each other.
In addition to gambling, casinos offer other entertainment and dining opportunities. They may feature top musical acts, side-splitting comedy shows or elaborate theatrical productions. Many casinos feature upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. And they are known for offering a wide variety of bars and nightclubs where patrons can socialize after dark.
Casinos generate billions of dollars each year in profits for the companies, investors and Native American tribes that own them. In addition, state and local governments reap substantial tax revenues from casinos.
The modern casino is often likened to an indoor amusement park for adults, with the vast majority of the profits generated by gambling operations. Slot machines, blackjack, poker and other table games provide the billions in revenue that drive the business.
In a 2002 survey of people who admitted to participating in casino gambling, respondents were asked which games they most enjoyed playing. The largest percentage selected slot machines. The second most popular game was card games, including poker and blackjack, with 30% of the votes. Roulette and craps, as well as keno and gambling on sports/racing events, were each liked by approximately 20% of respondents.
