A casino is a gambling establishment that accepts wagers on games of chance, in some cases with an element of skill. Most casinos offer a variety of gaming options, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps. They may also include restaurants and bars. The gambling industry is regulated by government bodies. Casinos are often located in cities with high tourism levels, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Casinos are sometimes criticized for their negative social impacts, such as addiction and underage gambling. They can also hurt property values in nearby neighborhoods. The large amount of money handled within casinos may encourage cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. To combat this, most casinos have security measures in place. These can range from cameras to personnel on hand to ensure fair play.
In the United States, casinos are usually found in urban areas and on American Indian reservations. Some states have anti-gambling laws, but most have relaxed these laws in the past few decades to allow casino development. The most famous American casinos are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but there are also many smaller ones around the country. In addition to traditional gambling games, some casinos feature racetracks and other forms of entertainment.