A casino is a building or room in which gambling games are played. The term is also used for the games themselves, and for the organization that runs them. A casino is a place where patrons can gamble and also enjoy entertainment, food and drink. Casinos may also be operated by government authorities as legalized gambling houses.
There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack or craps, involve one or more players competing against the house (the casino) and are conducted by croupiers. Random number games, such as keno or bingo, use a computerized system to select numbers at random.
In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and provincial laws. Unlike other forms of gambling, which are primarily recreational in nature, casino games can generate substantial profits. As such, many states have amended their antigambling statutes to allow for casinos. In addition to Las Vegas, the largest casino city in the world, casinos can be found in Atlantic City and other resort cities in the United States, as well as on American Indian reservations, where they are exempt from state gambling laws. The popularity of casino games has led to the establishment of many online casinos, which offer customers the option to play in their own currency. This makes it easier for them to keep track of their wagers and reduces the need for currency exchange fees.