A casino (also called a gaming house or a gambling establishment) is an institution for various forms of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are operated by government-owned or state-licensed organizations. In the United States, private individuals may operate casinos under license from a state authority.
Gambling in the United States was illegal for most of its history, but legalized casino gambling first began in 1931 in Nevada and has since spread to many other states. Most American casinos are located in cities with populations of more than 100,000 and often feature a large number of slot machines, table games like blackjack and poker, and other entertainment options. Casinos are also commonly found on American Indian reservations and in rural areas.
The majority of casino gambling games offer a mathematically predictable long-term advantage to the house, or “house edge”. However, some have an element of skill, and players who possess sufficient skills can reduce the house edge to a minimum. Such games include video poker and some card games, such as baccarat and chemin de fer.
Most casino gambling is regulated by gaming control boards or commissions. These agencies are responsible for creating rules and regulations based on the state’s gambling laws, and awarding gambling licenses to casino operators. In addition, they regulate the employees and vendors of casinos. In addition, state casinos must report their profits to the gaming control board or commission.