A casino or gambling house is a building or room where various types of gambling activities are carried out. The term is also used for establishments that offer services such as food, beverages, or entertainment. There are many different casinos, and each one offers a unique experience. Some are located in exotic destinations, while others are more familiar and recognizable, such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The majority of casinos are operated by private corporations. Some are located in major urban centers, while others are located in rural areas or on Indian reservations. In the United States, there are approximately 3,000 casinos and gambling houses. The vast majority are legal, but there is a significant number that operate illegally.
In the past, most American casinos were located in Atlantic City and in a few cities in New Jersey. In the 1980s, however, casinos began to appear on Native American reservations and in a few states in the Midwest and West. In addition, a few states have legalized riverboat casinos and video poker machines at racetracks and truck stops.
In the United States, about 51 million people visited a casino in 2002, according to the Washington-based American Gaming Association. The vast majority of those visitors were legal adults. The gambling industry depends on a large customer base that includes both casual and serious gamblers. In order to attract and retain customers, casinos often offer free spectacular entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and deluxe living quarters.