A casino (also known as a gambling house, or simply a gaming establishment) is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling. Casinos are most commonly associated with card games, such as blackjack and poker. They may also offer other games such as roulette and baccarat. In the United States, casinos are most often found in Las Vegas and other locations regulated by state law.
In the late 20th century, many casinos dramatically increased their use of technology to monitor and audit their operations. For example, some casinos now have chips with built-in microcircuitry that interact with electronic systems to allow the house to oversee exactly how much is being wagered minute-by-minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from their expected values.
Casinos are a major source of revenue for some states and localities. Some are famous for attracting high rollers and celebrity gamblers, such as the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, which was made famous in Ian Fleming’s novel “Casino Royale”.
Other casinos are located in exotic locales, such as the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Brazil. Some casinos are combined with hotels, resorts and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are generally located in areas that are popular with tourists and are accessible by car or air. Several states have legalized casino gambling, including Nevada and New Jersey.