A casino is a gambling establishment with a wide range of games. It is associated with glitz and glamour, but can also be seedy and grim. Gambling can be addictive and should be approached with caution. This article explains the basics of casinos, and provides links to resources for help with problem gambling.

Casinos are usually licensed and regulated by state gaming control boards/commissions, which create rules and regulations for gambling operators. Some states also include statutory funding for responsible gambling programs as part of their licensing conditions.

Typically, casinos make money by charging players for the privilege of playing their games. This is known as the house edge, and it can vary from game to game. For example, in poker the house edge is in the form of a rake, which is a small percentage of each pot. In slots the house edge is a smaller percentage, but over time this adds up to substantial amounts of money for the casino.

Casinos can also make money by allowing patrons to play for free or for discounted prices. This is called comping, and it can be a great way to get free rooms, meals, shows or even airline tickets if you are a big spender. In addition to comps, many casinos also offer players club cards which give them perks such as free drinks and food. In most cases, the amount of money you win at a casino is taxed as income.