A casino is a place where gambling games are played. These games may be table or machine based and involve skill and chance. The types of games offered vary by casino, but may include card games, dice games, dominoes, keno and roulette. In addition, some casinos feature entertainment shows and restaurants.

Successful casinos bring in billions of dollars each year, benefiting the companies, investors and Native American tribes that run them. They also contribute to local governments’ tax revenues. In the beginning, many casinos were owned by organized crime groups, but federal crackdowns on mob involvement and the possibility of losing a gaming license at even the slightest hint of mafia involvement forced them to distance themselves from their gangster owners. Real estate investors and hotel chains now run the majority of casinos, and mob involvement is rare.

Despite the popularity of online and mobile gambling, casinos continue to be popular attractions. They are often located in tourist areas and have a wide variety of entertainment options, including live music, restaurants and bars. They are also designed to be visually appealing, with bright and gaudy colors, lighting effects, and a general atmosphere of excitement. Some casinos are built in historic buildings, while others are modern structures. There are also floating casinos on boats and barges, and casino-type game machines are found in racetracks and at bars, truck stops, grocery stores, and other small businesses. Some people also enjoy taking weekend bus trips to the nearest casino.