A casino is a building or room where people can gamble on games of chance. Casino games include card games, dice, roulette, baccarat, and more. Some casinos specialize in one type of game or a mix of games. They can be found in massive resorts and hotels as well as on cruise ships, racetracks, and Native American reservations. In the United States, casino gambling is legal in several states and the District of Columbia. Casinos generate billions in profits each year for private companies, investors, and Native American tribes. Casinos also generate substantial revenue for local governments, which reinvest in the community through taxes and other payments. However, studies indicate that compulsive gambling harms the economy and society by diverting resources from other forms of entertainment and causing lost work productivity.

Gambling is regulated by state and tribal authorities. Those responsible for casino operations are called gaming control boards or commissions. They create rules and regulations based on the state’s laws. They issue licenses to casinos and monitor their financial transactions. They also prevent people from playing if they appear on a state or tribal self-exclusion list.

Many casino employees are trained to spot problem gamblers and assist them. The best thing to do if you have a gambling problem is to ask for help from a casino employee or visit a guest service kiosk. Some casinos give free goods and services to high-volume players, such as rooms, meals, show tickets, limo service, and airline tickets.