A casino is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling. These include slot machines and table games (like poker, blackjack, and roulette). A casino also may feature entertainment shows. In the United States, casinos are typically licensed by state governments and operate under a strict set of rules and regulations. A casino is not to be confused with a gaming house, which is a term used in the Philippines and some other places for a building that houses gambling activities.
Casinos are usually located in areas that are open to the public, such as resorts, hotels, and even some restaurants and retail shops. Some casinos are located on American Indian reservations and operate outside the jurisdiction of state laws. In the past, many states had strict anti-gambling laws, but since the 1980s most have relaxed these regulations. As of 2016, 40 states allow some form of legal casino gambling.
There are several ways to gamble in a casino, and the types of games offered vary between establishments. Some casinos offer only electronic machines, while others have a mix of both traditional and modern games. There are also a variety of table games, such as poker, blackjack, and craps. Most table games require one or more players to compete against the casino, and the games are conducted by casino employees called croupiers.
Casinos also offer a wide range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. Many have bars where patrons can drink and socialize.