A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place for certain types of gambling. It is usually located near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. It may also serve as a meeting place for people who enjoy gambling. Casinos are also known for hosting poker games and tournaments.
A variety of games are available at casinos, including table games like blackjack and craps, and random number games such as roulette and baccarat. These games are conducted by casino employees, called croupiers. Some casinos also offer other types of gambling, such as lottery-like games and keno. Casinos are legal in most states, but some countries have banned or restricted them.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, with evidence of dice games dating back to 2300 BC and playing cards appearing around 800 AD. Modern casinos are heavily regulated and designed to deter cheating. Patrons are required to gamble within an established limit, and winnings are typically returned to the original bettors. Big bettors are often offered extravagant inducements to wager larger amounts, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxury hotel rooms, and reduced-fare transportation.
Among the world’s most dazzling and luxurious casinos is Macau’s glittering Grand Lisboa, whose façade looks like a million LED lights. The hotel offers casino tables and slot machines, plus a range of top-billed entertainment shows.