A casino is a gambling establishment where people wager money on games of chance or skill. These games may include table games such as blackjack and roulette, or slot machines. They also may feature entertainment shows. Players must be of legal age to participate in the games and must follow the rules and regulations set by the casino. Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. They are also known for their security measures, which include surveillance cameras and other devices.

In the United States, casinos have become a major tourist attraction, with more than 51 million people visiting them in 2002. These visitors spent more than $26.5 billion, making the industry one of the world’s largest. Most of these visits were made legally. However, gambling is illegal in some countries.

Gambling revenue is a significant source of taxation for many cities and states. The taxes collected from gaming can help communities fund essential services and infrastructure projects, or at least avoid cuts to other programs. The taxes can also bring up average wages in a region, improving economic conditions.

As a result of these benefits, casinos are important to local economies. The jobs they create can provide opportunities for low-income residents and increase the local population’s disposable income. In addition, casinos often make significant contributions to charitable causes and community organizations. They also can boost local tourism by attracting visitors from other parts of the country or world.