A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos resemble indoor amusement parks for adults, complete with flashy decor and upbeat music. Guests can enjoy drinks and food, as well as try their hand at games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. There are even a few that have spas. This industry is divided into two main directions – land-based and online casinos.

The term casino is often used in a generic sense, to refer to any type of gaming establishment. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments. Some states limit the number of casinos, while others regulate the types of games offered and the minimum age for casino patrons. In addition, some states have separate licenses for Native American casinos.

Many of the world’s most famous casinos are located in European cities such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Divonne-les-Bains. These casinos appeal to a clientele that includes royalty and aristocracy, as well as business people and ordinary tourists. They are outfitted with elaborate fountains, towers, and replicas of famous buildings and monuments.

The newest and largest casinos are designed to appeal to the most diverse range of clients. According to Harrah’s Entertainment, in 2005 the typical casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with an above-average income. These clients tend to stay longer and play more games, and are a major source of revenue for the casinos. The casinos are also outfitted with high-tech surveillance systems. These cameras are positioned to cover every table, window, and doorway, and can be adjusted by security workers in a room filled with banks of monitors.