A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide range of games of chance and in some cases skill. It is also a popular place to socialize and watch entertainment shows. Casinos are found around the world and are renowned for their glamour and luxury. Some are even famous for appearing in movies and novels, like the Monte Carlo Casino depicted in Ben Mezrich’s “Busting Vegas”.
A major part of casino gaming involves table games conducted by croupiers, and these include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and video poker. These are usually played against the house rather than other players, although some casinos offer tournaments where players compete against each other. Regardless of the game, most casinos have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house has an advantage over players; this is known as the house edge. Casinos make money by charging a commission on winning bets, known as the rake.
Other casinos offer electronic versions of traditional table games. These are often operated by a machine, but some have live dealers. Some of these machines use random number generators, while others use a modified version of dice or the same system as roulette wheels. Casinos also offer traditional Far Eastern games, such as sic bo (which became popular in European and American casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan and pai gow.
Modern casinos make extensive use of technology to monitor and protect their guests and property. They employ a combination of physical security forces and a specialized surveillance department. They also have catwalks in the ceiling above the casino floor, which allow surveillance personnel to look down directly on the activities at tables and slot machines through one-way glass.