A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming room, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Many casinos offer high-stakes games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette and are accompanied by a variety of other entertainment options like live music or stand up comedy.

The term “casino” is derived from the Portuguese word for house, and it was first used to describe the gambling houses in colonial Brazil. The modern sense of the word evolved in the United States during the second half of the 20th century, with the proliferation of hotel-casino combinations and the growth of tourism in Las Vegas.

Today’s opulent mega-casinos aren’t just places to gamble; they’re full-fledged resorts designed to impress with their luxury amenities, opulent décor, and celebrity chef restaurants. They’re packed with high-end shops and boutiques, and offer a wide range of dining options from down home southern fare to upscale finery. They’re also home to top-billed entertainment shows, from high-flying circus acts to chart-topping musicians.

While the biggest casino in the world is in Macau, America’s largest casino is located just across the border in Connecticut. The Foxwoods Resort Casino, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe, has 4.7 million square feet of casino space and boasts 17 different kinds of table games, over 7,000 slot machines, and a two-story bingo hall. Guests can dine at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, the Dallas Cowboys Restaurant, and Union Mesa, or browse the gift shop for Brighton jewelry, purses, perfume, and Bedre chocolates.