A casino is a gambling establishment that provides customers with various games of chance and in some cases food and drinks. The modern casino is often lavish in its luxuries, including stage shows and lighted fountains, but the basic concept of people playing games of chance for money dates back centuries. [Source: UIUC News Bureau]

Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and other table games provide most of the billions in profits that casinos rake in each year. But these places of chance would not exist without their patrons and the millions of dollars in bets they place. The average casino game has a built in statistical advantage for the house that can be smaller than two percent. This advantage, also known as the edge or vig, is how casinos make money from gamblers.

Other casino games include keno, bingo, craps and poker. Some casinos feature traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo and fan-tan. In general, these games are played against a dealer and the house and not against other players, but some casinos do host regular poker tournaments where patrons play against each other.

Guests of casinos can receive free goods or services, such as hotel rooms and dinners, show tickets and limo service, if they gamble enough. These comps are usually based on the amount of time and money a player spends at a game or on the overall amount they bet. Other casino terms you may hear: