What Is a Casino?

A casino is a gambling establishment, where customers gamble by playing games of chance or skill. The house always has a mathematical advantage over the players, which is known as the house edge. In some games, such as poker, the house also takes a commission, called the rake. These profits are the source of the casinos’ revenue. Casinos are often built in tourist destinations or have large gambling areas, and they may feature other entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Almost all casinos use security measures to prevent cheating and theft by both patrons and employees. These measures include cameras located throughout the facility, and systems that monitor and supervise the games themselves. For example, in table games with a significant element of skill, such as blackjack or poker, the casino uses special chips with built-in microcircuitry to record and monitor the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any statistical deviation from expected results.

A casino may be owned by a corporation or individual, or it may be coextensive with a hotel and operated by the same owner. Some casinos specialize in specific types of gambling, such as video poker or horse racing. Others offer a wide variety of gambling products, including table and slot machines. In some countries, casinos are required to impose minimum bets and limits on losses and wins. Casinos that are designed to appeal to high-rollers are sometimes referred to as mega-casinos.