A casino is an establishment for gambling. It offers games of chance and some skill, and is often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. Some casinos feature live entertainment. Casinos generate billions of dollars in revenue each year for private owners, companies, investors, and Native American tribes. They also generate significant tax revenue for local, state and national governments.
There are more than 1,000 casinos in operation worldwide, according to industry estimates. These range from massive resorts in Las Vegas to small neighborhood card rooms. Some casinos specialize in specific types of gambling, such as poker, bingo and horse racing. Others offer a wide range of gaming activities, including table games, slot machines and electronic roulette.
In the twenty-first century, some casinos are focusing their investments on high rollers, or gamblers who spend far more than average. These casinos offer these big bettors lavish inducements, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxury hotel suites and reduced-fare transportation. In the United States, the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut, is a major casino, with more than 4.7 million square feet of space.
Casinos are designed around noise, light and excitement. The floor and walls are usually brightly colored, such as red, to stimulate the players. The environment is raucous and exciting, with waiters circulating to take drink orders. Gamblers shout encouragement and the sound of coins clinking in the slot machines adds to the atmosphere.