What is a Casino?

A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping or cruise ships. Some are known for hosting live entertainment events. The Bellagio, in Las Vegas, is a well-known example of a casino that is also a resort.

There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one or more players against the machine, and do not require the involvement of casino employees to operate. Table games, such as blackjack and poker, are conducted by casino employees known as croupiers or dealers. Random number games, such as roulette and baccarat, are based upon the selection of random numbers.

In some countries, casinos are regulated by law. Some are operated by government-owned corporations, while others are privately owned. Regardless of ownership structure, casinos must follow strict rules and regulations to protect the integrity of the games they offer. This includes ensuring that all bets are placed within an established limit and that no patron can win more than the casino can afford to pay.

Besides being an important source of revenue, casinos are also major tourist attractions. Some cities are known as being primarily casinos, such as Monte Carlo in Monaco and Macao in China. In the United States, the largest concentration of casinos is in Las Vegas, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago.