A casino is an establishment where people gamble on games of chance, or on games that require a degree of skill. Most casinos offer a variety of gambling activities, including poker, blackjack, and video slots. In addition, some casinos are known for their live entertainment.

Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and/or cruise ships. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is one of the world’s best-known casinos, and has featured in numerous movies and TV shows. The Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1863, is another famous casino.

In the United States, casino gaming laws vary by state. Some jurisdictions ban or limit gambling, while others regulate it to some extent. Nevada, which pioneered the modern casino, is home to the world’s largest concentration of gambling facilities. Other major casino destinations include Atlantic City and New Jersey. Some states have legalized riverboat gambling.

Many casinos are owned and operated by organized crime groups. Mobster money helped to finance the development of the modern casino in Reno and Las Vegas. In addition to providing funds, organized criminals took sole or partial ownership of some casinos and exerted control over operations by intimidating or threatening casino employees. These types of actions have given casinos a reputation for corruption, and in some cases have led to lawsuits and investigations by federal authorities. Casinos are generally viewed as having a negative impact on the local economy, because they draw away spending from other forms of entertainment and contribute to gambling addiction.