A Casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can play a variety of different types of gambling games. This includes games of chance, such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, as well as video slots and arcade games. Some casinos host live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy or concerts. Casinos are often built in conjunction with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions.
Many states and cities have casinos. Typically, these are owned by private corporations and operate under state licenses. Many also have a help line for problem gamblers. There are also some online casinos that allow people to play for real money, even without a physical casino.
The most famous casinos are in Las Vegas, Nevada. But you can find them in many places, including some in the American West. The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, for example, offers beautiful views of the city skyline and is within walking distance of downtown attractions.
But not everyone welcomes the presence of casinos in urban areas. Lucy Dadayan, an associate at the Urban Institute, says that tax revenues that casinos promise can be overstated, and they often decline over time. In addition, proximity to casinos disproportionately affects low-income communities. A recent study found that residents in New York City who lived near casinos had higher poverty rates than those farther away.