A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It is often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports. In military and non-military usage, a casino may refer to an officers’ mess or a dining facility.

Casinos are heavily regulated to ensure the integrity of games and the security of patrons. Many casinos use specialized security forces that patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious activity. They also employ a specialized surveillance department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as “the eye in the sky”. Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling above the gaming floor, which allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one-way glass, on the activities at the tables and slot machines.

The success of the casino industry has influenced other countries to legalize and expand gambling operations. In the United States, Atlantic City became a major gambling center after New Jersey legalized it in 1978, and Las Vegas followed suit in the 1980s. During this period, a number of Indian reservations also opened casinos, which are not subject to state antigambling laws. In addition, many states have legalized online gambling. Before visiting a casino, it is important to check state laws regarding gambling legality and minimum age.