A casino is a place where people can gamble for money. Casinos typically have high security and are heavily regulated. They can be found in most countries where gambling is legal, including the United States. They also offer non-gambling games, hotels, restaurants and other amenities to attract visitors. Casinos can be very large and beautiful, with stunning decor and a mind-boggling number of games.

In the twenty-first century casinos are increasingly choosier about their patrons and concentrate their investments on those who spend the most. They are especially keen to entice high rollers, who gamble in special rooms and place bets in the tens of thousands of dollars. In return they get a proportion of the casino’s profits, as well as luxurious comps like free entertainment and transportation.

Gambling has a social aspect, with gamblers often sitting together or shouting encouragement to one another. Drinks are served and food is available in most casinos, but the drinks can impair a gambler’s ability to make sound decisions. Casinos are characterized by noise, light and excitement, and many have stage shows to entertain their guests.

In the United States, all casinos are licensed and regulated by state gaming control boards/commissions. State regulators create rules and regulations for gambling operators based on state law, and they supervise and audit the casinos to prevent cheating. Most casinos are located in cities with high populations of residents who enjoy gambling, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Casinos are also found on Indian reservations and in other places where gambling is legal.