A casino, also known as a gaming house or gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can play certain types of gambling games. These casinos can be standalone buildings or incorporated into hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise ships, or other tourist attractions. Some states have specific laws regulating the operation of casinos. Other states allow them to be operated on Native American reservations, where they are not subject to state anti-gambling laws.
A large number of casinos offer a wide range of gambling opportunities, including slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette. Many of these casinos also have non-gambling sections with bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options. While these facilities can be extremely attractive to visitors, the majority of their profits come from the billions that are bet each year on games of chance such as baccarat, roulette, and craps.
Some of the world’s most famous casinos are located in cities that are renowned for their nightlife. For example, the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was once a playground for nineteenth century European aristocrats and royalty; today it draws high-flying accountants and lawyers dressed in tailored suits, who mingle with the local bourgeoisie around its red-and-gold poker rooms and tables. Other prestigious casino destinations include Monte Carlo, which has been the scene of several James Bond novels and films, and the Circus Casino in Las Vegas, featured prominently in the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven.
In the twenty-first century, casinos have become choosier about who they let in their doors. They focus their investments on the heaviest gamblers, who are often given special treatment and luxury suites separate from the main gaming floor. They are also increasingly selective about what types of games they offer, focusing on games that have a high profit potential, such as sic bo (popular in Japan and spreading to other parts of Asia), fan-tan, and pai gow.
