A casino, also known as a gaming house, is an establishment for gambling. Its purpose is to provide customers with a wide variety of games for a price, usually accompanied by entertainment and refreshments. Some casinos are operated by government-owned enterprises, while others are owned by private businesses or individuals. Several countries have legalized casinos, either in their entirety or for certain types of games. Other states have prohibited or restricted them. In the United States, there are now dozens of state-licensed and privately owned casinos in operation.
Casinos typically offer a range of gambling products, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Most modern casinos are highly automated and regulated by state-level gaming control boards, which have the authority to monitor the operations of all licensed casinos in their jurisdiction.
Unlike other forms of entertainment, casino gambling is often associated with large amounts of money and can lead to addiction. For this reason, many casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing. Staff members are trained to spot potential problems, and patrons may be encouraged to gamble responsibly by being offered free drinks, food, or even hotel rooms for a limited time.
A casino is also a popular choice for conventions and meetings, with the largest hotels offering facilities suitable for events of all sizes. Some casinos are designed by world-renowned architects, such as the Morpheus Hotel by the late Zaha Hadid, and include spectacular restaurants and lounges.