A casino is a facility that houses gambling games and activities. It may include card and dice tables, slot machines, and other gaming devices. Casinos also feature restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Casinos usually have security measures in place to prevent gambling addiction, and they often display information about responsible gambling resources. Many state laws require casinos to have a responsible gambling program and provide contact details for organizations that offer specialized support.
Casinos make money by offering a small advantage to patrons, called the house edge. This small margin, which can be less than two percent of a single bet, earns casinos millions of dollars each year, allowing them to spend huge amounts on fountains, pyramids, towers, and replicas of famous landmarks. Casinos also earn profits from the fees paid by patrons for drinks, cigarettes, and parking. Some casinos even charge customers for the privilege of using credit cards.
Some critics argue that casinos divert spending away from other types of local entertainment, and that the social costs of compulsive gambling outweigh any economic benefits. Additionally, many economists are skeptical of claims that casinos create jobs or boost local economies. However, the casino industry is growing rapidly. The largest casino in the world is located in the United States, and the second-largest is owned by the government of Macau, China. Several countries and territories have legalized casino gambling, with more than 60 nations hosting more than 100 casinos worldwide.