A casino (also called a gambling hall or a gaming house) is a place where people can play various games of chance and, often, win money. Casinos offer a full range of entertainment and dining experiences, in addition to hotels, shopping and spas. Some are elegant and opulent, like those at Monte Carlo; others are sleek and modern. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state law.
Casinos are operated by people who are trained to be croupiers or dealers. Most offer a variety of table games, including blackjack, craps and roulette. Some casinos also have video poker machines and other electronic games. Many casinos host regular poker tournaments and events, and they make their money by taking a percentage of the pot or charging an hourly fee to players.
Some casinos have special rooms where high rollers can play in private. These rooms are usually well-lit and quiet, and the staff can provide a range of services to meet the needs of VIP guests.
Casinos have come a long way from the slightly seedy establishments in which James Bond once gambled in movies such as Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye. Nowadays, they are a major part of the tourist economy in cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City and attract millions of visitors each year. Many feature spectacular architecture, beautiful decor, and a mind-blowing number of games. In addition to the gambling facilities, many have restaurants, bars, non-gambling game rooms, hotels and other facilities that are designed to appeal to all ages.