A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos are located in or near hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. A few casinos are operated by the military or are dedicated to charitable gaming. Some casinos feature live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy or concerts. The term is also used for card games and table games such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Other casino activities include race and sports betting.
In the United States, the largest casinos are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Other major casinos are in Chicago, New York City, and Reno. Many state governments regulate casino gambling. Some states prohibit it entirely, while others endorse it to some extent. Many casinos offer a variety of games and pay out winnings in cash, checks, or credit cards. In addition, some casinos have restaurant and bar facilities. Many also host Texas hold ’em tournaments, drawing professional and amateur players from around the world.
In the past, some casinos were private clubs for members only. Some were built in elegant spa towns, such as the elegant resort town of Baden-Baden in Germany, where actress Marlene Dietrich once declared it “the most beautiful casino in the world.” In Europe, casino gaming started to become more common after World War II. Many European countries changed their laws to permit it, and most of the best-known casinos are in France—such as those in Cannes, Nice, and Divonne-les-Bains.