Casinos are establishments dedicated to certain forms of gambling. Casinos may be found integrated into hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or standalone facilities; offering gaming machines and table games operated by live dealers as well as concerts, stand-up comedy performances and sports. Some luxury casinos may include hotel accommodations in addition to gambling activities; this term may also refer to facilities where gambling activities are legally permissible outside the US.
Gambling has long been part of human culture. Archaeologists have discovered dice from 2300 BC China and card games were widely played throughout Europe by 1400s. Modern casinos first emerged as major industries worldwide after they first appeared in 1978 – it is estimated that by 2023 global market size for casino games will reach $41 billion!
Casinos typically feature various table games such as poker and blackjack. Additionally, casinos feature slot machines and video poker. Many casino are open around-the-clock with one or more floors open 24 hours a day; some are owned by major international companies while others run by local governments or Indian tribes; most casinos are highly regulated to ensure fair play and consumer protection.
Some of the world’s most well-known casinos can be found along the Las Vegas strip, while many more can also be found elsewhere across the US and around the globe. Foxwoods in Ledyard, Connecticut is one such global casino and offers more than 4.7 million square feet of gaming space with table and slot games as well as gourmet dining, water fountain show, luxurious accommodations, spa services, high-end shopping and hosting the World Poker Tour tournaments.
Wynn Las Vegas in Nevada, which is known for its luxurious decor and high-end gaming tables, has long been one of the best places for gambling worldwide, often featured in Hollywood films. Casinos also provide an enjoyable tourist attraction experience.
As casinos handle large sums of money, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either collaboratively or individually. To counter this risk, most casinos implement security measures ranging from cameras to the use of security guards; additionally, many have strict gambling age policies and do not permit minors entry; in the US this age varies from state-to-state; generally 21 is considered the legal gambling age in most places except American Indian reservations which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.