A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance and, in some cases, skill. Many casinos offer a variety of luxuries to help attract customers, such as free drinks and stage shows. While these luxuries are not necessarily necessary for the casino to be considered a casino, they do help. In addition, most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure that the house will always win. This advantage is known as the house edge.
Casinos also provide complimentary items (known as comps) to their best players. These can include anything from hotel rooms to dinners and tickets to shows. The amount of money you spend in the casino is used to determine your comp level. You can ask a casino employee for a list of available comps.
In the twenty-first century, casino owners have become more selective about their clientele. They focus on high rollers, a group of gamblers who spend significantly more than average. They are often given special rooms where the stakes can be as high as tens of thousands of dollars. In return, they receive a great deal of personal attention and free luxurious suites.
The typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. According to a 2005 study by Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS, these adults make up 23% of all casino gamblers. Unlike their younger counterparts, they have more vacation time and disposable income.