A casino or gambling house is a place where people can play games of chance for money. Most casinos offer a wide variety of games, with some offering a skill element. Some casinos specialize in specific types of games, such as Asian games. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments. The casino industry is also regulated at the federal level by the National Gambling Impact and Control Act, enacted in 1992.
Modern casinos are typically equipped with specialized security departments that work closely with law enforcement. These specialized security departments are designed to prevent crime at the casino and to quickly respond to any incidents that may occur. Casinos also often employ gaming mathematicians and computer programmers to develop new game strategies, track player behavior, and analyze the results of previous games. These individuals are known as gaming analysts.
Casinos are usually located in cities with large populations and in tourist areas. Many are also built or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other entertainment venues. Some states have strict laws governing casino gambling, while others allow it only in certain locations.
In the United States, casinos are classified under NAICS code 713210. Most casinos are operated by commercial establishments that are licensed and regulated by the state where they operate. Some casinos are located on Native American reservations and are not subject to state antigambling laws. Other casinos are owned by private corporations and are not licensed or regulated.
