A casino, or gaming house, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos typically feature various games of chance and, in some cases, skill. Most of these facilities are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. Casinos are also known for their entertainment offerings, including concerts and live performances.
Casino games are divided into three general categories: gaming machines, table games and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees to play. Table games, such as blackjack and poker, involve one or more players competing against the house (the casino), with a game master or croupier conducting the game. Random number games use a random number generator to generate results.
Many casino patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other patrons or independently. To counter this, most casinos have security measures in place. These include cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment, as well as strict rules of conduct and behavior.
In the United States, casino gambling first appeared on American Indian reservations in the 1970s and has since spread to most states where tribal gaming is legal. The majority of casinos are located in Nevada and California, though there are several in other states as well, including Atlantic City, New Jersey; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Puerto Rico. Some states have laws that prohibit casino gambling, while others have regulated it to some extent.