A casino is a building or room where people play gambling games for money. The games are usually based on chance, although some have an element of skill. The house always has an advantage over the players, which is expressed mathematically as the house edge. The casino earns money from the players by taking a commission on wins or a percentage of losing bets, called rake. Casinos may also give out complimentary items or comps to gamblers.
While casinos are found in many places, a few cities have become known specifically for their casinos. Las Vegas is the most famous gambling city in the world, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago. Some towns, such as Monte Carlo, are almost entirely defined by their casino.
Some of the world’s most impressive casinos are lavish palaces with opulent interior design. The Bellagio Resort & Casino, for instance, has a fountain that’s been featured in movies like the Hangover and Ocean’s 11. This casino is also one of the largest in the world, with 56 poker tables and 2,000 slot machines. The casino has even hosted World Poker Tour events, drawing professional players with high table limits. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was a playground for European royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago, and it still attracts the rich and famous today with its luxurious casino. This casino is famous for its red-and-gold poker rooms, and it has hosted stars such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Mariah Carey, and Rod Stewart.
