A casino is a building or room in which gambling games are played. In the United States, casinos are generally licensed by state governments and offer a variety of casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and slot machines. Many casinos also feature live entertainment and restaurants. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, is famous for its dancing fountains and high-end dining options. It has even been featured in the movie Ocean’s 11.
While there are seedy backroom gambling parlors, and crime does occur around casinos, most large, professionally run casinos are safe and provide a wide variety of games, food, drink, and entertainment. Security is tight, and there are often police officers patrolling the premises.
Gambling in all its forms has been a part of human society for millennia. Archeological evidence of a game like dice dates from 2300 BC, and playing cards came into use in the 1400s. Today, casinos continue to evolve and attract a diverse audience.
Casinos are a major source of jobs, and they stimulate economic growth in the communities that host them. Research has shown that counties with casinos have higher employment and wages than those without. While the majority of casinos are privately owned, they are subsidized by local taxpayers. Casinos often have a commitment to social responsibility, contributing to local charities and community projects. They also work to reduce their environmental impact. In 2005, a typical casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old woman from a household with above-average income.
