A casino is a public place where gambling games of chance are played. A casino can also offer other luxuries to its patrons such as restaurants, stage shows, free drinks, and dramatic scenery. However, there have been less elaborate places that house gambling activities and would still be called casinos.

The casino industry is regulated in most states. Most of the regulatory authority comes from the state and local governments. In addition, there is federal regulation through the National Gambling Impact and Control Act of 1992 (NDIAC).

Security in a casino is a significant part of the business. The main security measures are the use of cameras and the strict enforcement of rules for the behavior of casino guests. These rules are designed to prevent cheating and other violations of the game rules. Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling above the casino floor, which allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on the tables and slot machines.

In the United States, there are over 2,000 casinos. The number continues to grow, as more states legalize casinos. In most cases, these casinos are built near or combined with hotels, resorts, or other tourist attractions. Some casinos are even located on cruise ships. Casinos usually offer a variety of gambling games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and video poker. In addition, many casinos offer a wide range of other gambling activities, such as sports betting and lotteries.