What Is a Casino?

A casino (also called a gambling house or a gaming establishment) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are most commonly associated with gambling, but may also offer dining, entertainment, and retail services. Some casinos are operated by governments, while others are owned and operated by private corporations. Some casinos are located in cities known for tourism or have been built to boost economic growth in the surrounding area. Many states have legalized gambling and some even have state-wide lottery games, while other states restrict it to tribal casinos or online operations.

While Vegas still reigns supreme as the largest casino in the world, there are a number of other massive gambling facilities across America. These giants range from Oklahoma’s WinStar World Casino and Resort to New York City’s Casino at Empire City, which is the only casino in the city proper and offers a variety of gambling options.

The most successful casinos are those that are well run and provide a positive experience for their patrons. This means maintaining the highest levels of security, both physical and electronic, while providing a variety of gambling opportunities and keeping losses to a minimum. Casinos also enforce etiquette, such as the need to show proper respect for dealers and croupiers. Given the large amounts of money handled in a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is why most modern casinos are equipped with a dedicated physical security force and a specialized surveillance department.