A casino is a facility that offers various forms of gambling, including slot machines and table games like poker, blackjack and roulette. In addition to these attractions, many casinos offer live entertainment and top-notch hotels. To visit a casino, you must be of legal age and follow the rules of the establishment.

In the United States, a large percentage of the population is attracted to gambling. In fact, according to the American Gaming Association, 51 million people visited a casino in 2002. Most of these visits were to legal, licensed casinos operated by well-known national brands such as Ameristar and Margaritaville.

While most people think of Las Vegas when they think of a casino, there are plenty of other places to gamble, from the glitzy resorts of the Strip to the illegal pai gow tables in Chinatown. Some casinos are even set on the water, like Venice’s famed Casino di Venezia.

A casino is usually staffed by trained personnel to assist with game play and provide security services. Most modern casinos have a separate physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the casino floor and responds to calls for assistance and suspected or alleged criminal activity. These departments work closely together to ensure the safety of both guests and property.

Some casinos also feature a sports book and off-track horse racing. In addition to traditional gaming, these facilities often provide entertainment options like musical performances and stand-up comedy.