A casino, also known as a gambling house, is a building or room in which people can gamble. Some casinos are stand-alone structures, while others are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops or cruise ships. Casinos are generally regulated and licensed by state governments. The term can also refer to an establishment that offers certain types of casino games, such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette and poker. Some states have laws that specifically prohibit casino gambling, while others endorse it to some degree or allow it only in specific locales.

In the United States, casinos are usually large, luxurious facilities that feature a variety of gambling activities. They may include a wide range of table games, such as baccarat, chemin de fer and blackjack; electronic gaming machines that offer keno or video poker; and even racing tracks. Casinos can also host a number of different card games, including regular poker tournaments.

The concept of a casino has been around for centuries. In Europe, it was a popular place to gamble, especially in cities like Monte Carlo and Cannes in France. In the latter part of the 20th century, most American states amended their gambling laws to permit casino-type operations. Some American Indian tribes also operate casinos.

Casinos are primarily places for chance-based entertainment, but they can also be used to raise funds for charitable purposes. They are usually supervised and highly secure, employing both human and technological measures to prevent cheating. Casino security personnel use cameras to monitor patrons and their actions; table game dealers are trained to spot suspicious behavior, such as taking excessive amounts of chips or not dealing cards correctly. In addition, most casinos have a policy of not allowing players to leave the premises with winnings.

A person who wins a great deal of money in a casino is called a high roller. High rollers are often given special inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, hotel rooms, transportation and other amenities. High rollers are an important source of revenue for a casino.

In the US, there are over 340 casinos. The most famous are located in Nevada and Atlantic City. Some casinos are run by Indian tribes, and some are owned by private businesses. Many of these casinos are themed, and some are famous for their architecture or interior design.

Gambling is usually not permitted for minors at casinos, but the legal age varies by state and gambling product. In general, most casinos have a minimum age of 21, and the majority of them have strict rules about smoking and drinking alcohol. Some casinos also have a minimum age requirement for sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering. Some states have additional requirements, such as a residency or ID requirement. These additional requirements are designed to prevent underage gambling. A casino can also be a facility where some other forms of entertainment are hosted, such as concerts and shows. Some casinos are also known as a resort, and they may have a variety of other amenities to offer their guests, such as swimming pools, fitness centers and restaurants.