A casino, or a gambling den, is a building where people can gamble. Gambling is a popular pastime and many casinos offer games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat. Some casinos also have sports betting areas where patrons can place wagers on American football, boxing, and more. A typical modern casino has a dedicated security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the premises for suspicious or definite criminal activity.

Modern casinos are often geared towards adult patrons, but some have family-friendly options as well. They are also focusing on sustainability, with several implementing environmental initiatives and contributing to local communities. The appeal of casinos is multifaceted: the design and architecture contributes significantly to the ambiance, while customer service is another important aspect. Casinos offer a wide variety of perks, such as free drinks and food, to encourage and reward gamblers for their spending.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. Many of these are concentrated in cities and towns with a large tourism industry, such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Chicago. However, there are also many smaller casinos throughout the country. Most of these smaller casinos are located in the state of Nevada. However, in recent years more and more states have legalized casinos, due to interstate competition and a desire to gain tourism revenue. Casinos are generally considered to be an economic generator for the regions in which they are located, but critics point out that they take money away from other forms of entertainment and can lead to compulsive gambling.