A gambling establishment that offers table games, slot machines, and entertainment shows. Some casinos also have restaurants and bars. Typically, casinos require that visitors be of legal age to gamble and follow the rules and regulations of the establishment.

Most casino gambling is a social activity, with players interacting with one another or being surrounded by other people playing the game. The atmosphere is often loud and boisterous, with a focus on excitement and the promotion of gambling as a glamorous and exciting entertainment activity. Alcoholic beverages are served to gamblers for free or at reduced prices, and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks may be available. Casinos are designed to appeal to the senses, with bright colors, pulsing music, and flashing lights.

Modern casinos have increased the use of technology to supervise their games. In “chip tracking,” for example, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems in the tables to allow the casinos to oversee precisely how much money is wagered minute by minute and to be warned quickly of any statistical deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored routinely to discover any anomalies.

The popularity of casino gambling has led to its spread across the United States, and the industry is constantly expanding. Several American states have amended their antigambling laws during the 1980s and 1990s to permit casino gambling, usually on Native American reservations that are exempt from state antigambling legislation. A number of large cities, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, have become major centers of casino gambling.