What Is a Casino?

A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can play various gambling games. Most casino games are based on chance, with the exception of craps and poker, which require some skill. Casinos are usually located in or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. In some countries, casinos are legalized for specific purposes such as preventing organized crime or encouraging tourism.

In the United States, casinos are generally licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. Casinos range in size from massive resorts to small card rooms. In the 1980s and 1990s, some American states amended their antigambling laws to permit Native American tribes to operate casinos on their reservations, resulting in a proliferation of casinos nationwide. In addition, a few states allow casino-style gambling on riverboats and at racetracks.

When most Americans think of a casino, they picture the megaresorts of Las Vegas, a dazzling spectacle adorned in neon lights and fun. However, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of a casino is much broader. It refers to any building or room that is used for social amusements, especially gambling. This includes establishments that offer table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker; game machines such as slot machines, video poker, and keno; and even lottery tickets. Many casinos strive to make their patrons feel comfortable and at home by offering food, drinks, and entertainment. Casinos also offer a variety of promotions and bonuses to attract new customers.