A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. In the United States, the term casino may refer to any of several types of gambling establishments, including those that feature table games such as blackjack and craps, as well as slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. The term casino may also refer to a large building that houses many of these gambling activities. Some casinos specialize in particular types of gambling, such as horse racing or sports betting.
The casino industry is regulated and monitored by both federal and state authorities. Most land-based casinos offer shows and fine dining to provide patrons with a variety of entertainment options and distractions from their gambling activities. Patrons of casinos may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently; for this reason most casinos have a high level of security. Security measures include cameras and other electronic monitoring devices.
The casino is an important source of income for the local government in many jurisdictions, and the economic impact can be significant. In the United States, there are more than 1,000 commercial casinos. Many of these are located in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In addition, many American Indian tribes operate casinos on their reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws. Many of these casinos feature a wide variety of games and offer luxury amenities such as spas, swimming pools, and fine dining. Some even host concerts and sporting events.