A casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance can be played. It may add other luxuries to help attract patrons, like restaurants, free drinks and stage shows, but it must focus on gambling as its main activity. There have been less elaborate places that housed gambling activities, and these would still be considered casinos.
Casinos are designed to make money by charging a fee on bets placed by patrons. This rake or vig can be very small, but over time it can add up and provide enough money for casinos to build hotels, fountains, pyramids and replicas of famous landmarks. Most casinos also earn money by offering a percentage of the winnings to players in games with some element of skill, although this is not the case for all games.
Despite their glitz and glamour, casinos are not without negative social consequences. For example, the financial risk of gambling can lead to addiction and a lack of income for some families, while problem gambling can strain relationships. In addition, casinos can be very time-consuming and contribute to wealth inequality.
Traditionally, mobster money has provided the capital for casinos in Reno and Las Vegas, but federal crackdowns on mafia control of gambling businesses have forced them to turn to real estate investors and hotel chains for investment opportunities. With deep pockets, these companies were able to buy out the mobsters and operate casinos without mob interference.