A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may also be known as a gaming house, or a gambling hall. Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are regulated by government authorities. Casinos may also be used for a variety of other reasons, such as hosting live entertainment events or serving as meeting spaces.
A few casinos have become famous in their own right. In Las Vegas, Caesars Palace is iconic for both its gaming and its celebrity residencies. Frank Sinatra performed in the Circus Maximus Showroom for decades, and more recently it has been the home of residencies by Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Elton John, and others.
The most luxurious casinos offer opulent suites and spas in addition to tables and slots. They also compete with each other to have the most dazzling décor, bigger buffets, and more games. They strive to be the largest in their region or even the world.
There are also a number of smaller casinos that focus on regional or national markets. For example, the Foxwoods resort in Connecticut is a large casino, but it is also a destination for live entertainment, and has its own theater. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden attracted royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, and its casino is among the most beautiful in the world.