When most people think of casinos, they envision glitzy Las Vegas locales where gamblers try their hand at wooing Lady Luck and leaving with (hopefully) a wad of cash. But there are plenty of other places in the United States where casino fun is available, from big-city resorts to tiny mountain towns that house 19th century Wild West buildings full of poker tables and slot machines.

The modern casino is a complex indoor amusement park, complete with restaurants, lighted fountains and stage shows, but it would not exist without the games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno bring in billions of dollars in profits every year for their owners.

While some casino games have elements of skill, most are simply games of chance, with mathematically determined odds that ensure the house always has an advantage over players. The house edge can be reduced through strategies like counting cards and betting patterns, but it cannot be eliminated entirely. Casinos also make money by giving away free goods and services to their biggest spenders, known as comps.

The best casino depends on what you’re looking for and your gambling preferences. For example, if you’re a fan of video poker, the type of machine you choose should match your gaming style. Then again, if you prefer to socialize with other players and enjoy live entertainment, you may want to visit a casino that features world-class performers. Finally, if you want to focus and avoid distractions, weekdays are better than weekends for most people.