A casino is a gambling establishment where people can gamble on various games of chance. Most casinos also offer other entertainment such as shows or restaurants. Casinos are found worldwide and are governed by laws regulating their operation. Some casinos are owned by governments while others are private.

Modern casinos are usually divided into three categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, like slot machines, are operated by the casino’s mechanical devices and require no human intervention. Table games, such as blackjack or craps, involve one or more players competing against the house and are run by casino employees known as croupiers. Random number games, such as roulette or baccarat, use random numbers or a series of numbers generated by computerized equipment to determine the outcome of the game.

The casino industry is highly competitive and regulated. Many states have enacted legislation requiring casinos to report their revenue to state regulators. The United States has more casinos than any other country, and the industry is constantly expanding. Casinos are usually located in places with high populations and are a major tourist attraction. They can be small, such as a hotel room converted to a gambling den, or large, such as the Venetian Macao in China.

Casinos are designed to appeal to the senses with lavish décor, lighting effects, and music. Some casinos have live entertainment and/or gourmet restaurants. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, has a branch of New York’s upscale Le Cirque restaurant and sells Chanel and Hermes merchandise. In addition to the usual games of chance, some casinos have golf courses and spas.