What Is a Casino?

A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may be part of a hotel, resort, or other type of entertainment complex. It may also be a stand-alone building. In the United States, casinos are most commonly found in Nevada and New Jersey, where gambling is legal. In the rest of the world, casino operations are often associated with hotels and resorts.

Modern casinos are large, luxurious facilities with a wide variety of games and entertainment options. They often feature high-end restaurants and shops. They may offer the opportunity to interact with live dealers for some games, such as roulette and blackjack. They may also have a stage for live entertainment, or host events such as conventions and weddings.

Some casinos specialize in specific types of gaming, such as baccarat (known in the US as chemin de fer), blackjack, and various poker variants. They also may have a range of other table games, including the Asian game of sic bo and the French card game trente et quarante. In some cases, casinos also have a sports book and other forms of gambling.

In the US, where casinos are common, they are usually regulated by state law. They must meet certain minimum capital requirements and be licensed to operate. They must also have adequate security measures in place to protect patrons and staff. Generally, these include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the gaming floor.