What Is a Casino?

A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance to patrons. It may also include restaurants, entertainment venues and non-gambling gaming areas. Casinos are a common feature in resorts, hotels and cruise ships, and are sometimes combined with restaurants and retail shops. The term casino is derived from the Latin word for “house” and can refer to both an actual building and the activity of gambling.

The largest casinos in the world are often impressive in terms of both size and beauty. They feature rooms for all kinds of casino games, as well as hotel rooms, restaurants, non-gambling game rooms, bars and swimming pools to appeal to entire families.

Most states regulate the number of gambling establishments. They also regulate the types of games that can be played and set the minimum age for gambling. Problem gambling is a significant concern for casino operators, and most provide contact details for responsible gambling organizations as part of their license conditions.

Most casinos offer a wide variety of casino games, including roulette, blackjack and poker. They also offer a variety of video poker machines and other electronic games. Some casinos also have a range of non-gambling activities, such as golf courses, circus acts and live entertainment from local or international performers. Some offer luxurious suites, rooftop pools and spas.