A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term may refer to a building that is specifically designed and built for gaming, or it may refer to an entire complex of buildings or resort that includes hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Casinos often feature games such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and poker. They also feature electronic gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker. The casino industry is regulated in some jurisdictions.
Casinos can be very crowded and noisy. Some casinos have stage shows and other forms of live entertainment. Caesars Palace, for example, features a large theater where entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John have performed. Other casinos have more intimate settings, such as the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. In addition to gambling, some casinos have a wide range of restaurants and bars, which can attract non-gamblers.
In the United States, casinos are classified by the federal government under the North American Industry Classification System code 713210. This category includes establishments primarily engaged in operating gambling facilities, but also those which offer other types of gambling such as sports betting or horse racing and which provide food and beverages.
A recent survey of gamblers by Gemini Research found that the majority (50%) preferred to play slot machines, with table games a close second. Other popular choices included blackjack, poker, and sports/racing wagering. The survey also found that the majority of respondents believed that casino games were enjoyable and provided a good value for money.