A casino (also known as a gambling house or a gaming room) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos offer a variety of entertainment options, such as stage shows and concerts. In military and non-military usage, the term is also used for a mess hall or barracks.
A large percentage of casino revenue is generated by players betting against the house. In games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack the house has an advantage over the players, which is known as the house edge. Casinos may also make profits by taking a percentage of the winnings at poker tables, or by charging an hourly rake fee. The games offered in casino gambling vary by jurisdiction and by country.
The word casino is derived from the Italian casin