A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may also be a place where people watch live entertainment, like comedy or a concert. Many casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, the largest casinos are in Las Vegas; other popular destinations include Atlantic City and Chicago.
Most modern casinos feature a wide range of casino games. They may be based on chance, or have an element of skill (as in the case of poker and some other card games). Some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing. In the United States, casinos generate billions in annual profits.
In the late 20th century, casinos expanded worldwide. In Europe, casinos are licensed and regulated by national or regional governments. In the United States, they are generally governed by state law. Many countries changed their laws in the latter half of the 20th century, permitting a wider variety of casino gambling.
Casinos are generally protected by various security measures. Depending on their size and location, these may include an onsite police force, a physical security team, or surveillance equipment. In addition to this technology, casinos often employ rules of conduct and behavior to ensure the safety of patrons.
Due to the large amounts of money handled within casinos, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with others or independently. Because of this, casinos have strict rules on who can play their games and how much they can win.