A casino is a place where people can gamble by playing games of chance. Although the modern casino may look like a twinkly, noisy indoor amusement park for adults with musical shows and lighted fountains, it’s mainly a business that brings in billions of dollars in profits each year. Most of that revenue is generated by games of chance, such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and video poker.

While gambling can be a lot of fun and provide a rush when luck turns your way, it’s not the same thing as getting rich. The odds are stacked against you in most games, and the longer you play, the more likely you will lose money. So before you set foot inside a casino, decide how much you’re willing to gamble with and stick to it.

Casinos often have high-end amenities, such as luxury hotels and spas, to attract high rollers. Some casinos have a separate area for high-stakes gambling, where players can bet tens of thousands of dollars or more on each game. These games are usually accompanied by more lavish comps, such as free suites and meals.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany, for example, opened a casino more than a century ago, drawing royalty and the aristocracy from across Europe. Today, casinos have become increasingly popular as more people travel for work and vacation. Many of the world’s best-known casinos are in places such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Monte Carlo. Others are located in more upscale resorts, such as the Sun City Resort in Rustenburg, South Africa.