A casino (also called a gambling house or a gaming room) is an establishment that offers customers the opportunity to gamble. Casinos offer a variety of games, such as poker, blackjack, and roulette, and some have entertainment attractions, such as theaters. In some countries, casinos are regulated by government agencies. Some are located in luxurious hotels, while others are standalone facilities. In most cases, the games played in a casino are games of chance. Casinos may also have one or more restaurants and/or retail shops. Some casinos are open 24/7, while others are open only certain hours of the day or week.
In the United States, most casinos are operated by private companies, rather than public corporations. Privately owned casinos are usually located in cities or towns with high incomes, although some are located on Native American reservations. In the 1980s, many state governments amended their anti-gambling laws to allow for the creation of new casinos. These new casinos were often built on former racetracks. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, also have state-owned casinos. In addition, many cities have casinos that are independent from the city’s government.
There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker, are played by one or more players and do not require the involvement of a croupier or dealer. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve a croupier or dealer who interacts with the players. Random number games, such as keno and bingo, use a random number generator to select numbers.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archeological finds suggest that dice were used in China as early as 2300 BC, and card games appeared in Europe in the 1400s. In the US, the first legal casino was established in Atlantic City in 1978. Since then, casino gambling has spread throughout the country, with the Las Vegas area having the largest concentration of them.
Some casinos are known for their live entertainment, and have hosted such famous artists as Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, and Madonna. Caesars Palace’s Circus Maximus Showroom is a legendary Vegas venue for concerts, and has been home to residencies by such celebrities as Rod Stewart, Cher, Bette Midler, and Sting.
Because large amounts of cash are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. As a result, most casinos have security measures designed to deter such behavior. Some of these measures are obvious, such as a well-trained staff and the presence of surveillance cameras. Other measures are less obvious, such as a requirement that casino employees wear uniforms and/or id badges at all times.
The Winstar World Casino in Oklahoma is one of the largest in America, with more than 380 tables and 6300 slot machines. It also features an opulent hotel and several dining and entertainment venues, including a two-tiered casino and a cavernous arena for live performances. Its sports book offers betting on a wide range of events, from football to horse racing.