A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are also known as gaming houses, and they can be built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Casinos are a major source of income for some states. In the United States, the majority of casinos are operated by tribal governments. There are also a number of state-licensed casinos.

Some states regulate casinos and limit their hours, but most have no legal restrictions on where they can be located or what kinds of games they can offer. The most popular games at casinos include slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Some casinos also have poker rooms, where players can compete in tournaments.

Gambling is often considered a risky activity, and some people have problems with it. Many states have hotlines and other resources for those with problem gambling. Others provide help in other ways, such as counseling and self-exclusion.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. Most are in rural or suburban areas, but a few are in urban centers, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Casinos have been shown to increase tax revenue, but the benefits may be short-lived if they are not matched by other investments, like training programs for casino workers or new amenities for visitors. In addition, casino jobs are typically low-paying, stunting the growth of local economies. This has been a factor in the financial struggles of Atlantic City and other struggling casinos.