A casino is a building or room where gambling games are played. The term is also used to describe the business of operating such a place. People who visit casinos for gambling purposes are known as patrons. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and local laws. The patrons of a casino are typically required to be of legal age and to adhere to a certain level of ethics while gambling.

Casinos are often built near hotels, restaurants, retail stores, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. They may also be located on Indian reservations or in other countries that allow them. Some are massive resorts with many gaming options, while others are smaller and resemble traditional card rooms. Some even offer entertainment shows.

Several types of security measures are used to protect casino patrons and property. The most obvious is the use of cameras. Casino staff also look for blatant cheating, such as a player palming cards or rolling dice with the backs facing up. They also watch patrons for betting patterns that indicate they may be trying to steal chips from other players.

The casino industry generates billions of dollars each year for the owners, investors and, in some cases, state and local governments. Some states have even legalized casino-type gambling on Native American reservations, creating racinos. In the United States, Harrah’s Entertainment reports that in 2005 the average casino patron was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income.