A casino is a facility that offers various forms of gambling, such as slot machines and table games (like poker, blackjack, and roulette). Casinos typically require visitors to be of legal age to enter, and they enforce security by means of cameras and other technological measures. In some cases, casinos also host entertainment shows.
The term casino may refer to a specific building or an entire complex, depending on the country. For example, in the United States, a casino can refer to a hotel and gaming establishment built by an Indian tribe.
In addition to their gambling facilities, many casinos also have restaurants, bars, meeting spaces, and retail stores. These outlets often feature themed merchandise that reflects the culture of the region or city in which the casino is located. For example, a casino in Texas might feature merchandise from local musician Toby Keith.
Some casinos specialize in particular types of games. For example, a European casino might focus on baccarat, whereas an American one might concentrate on blackjack. Some casinos also offer tournaments for poker players, who compete against each other rather than the house. Casinos earn money from these events by taking a percentage of the pot or charging an hourly fee.
The largest casinos in the world are palatial temples of temptation that offer five-star hotel accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, designer shops, and top-billed entertainment shows. Some of these casinos are so large that they can be seen from space.