A casino, also known as a gaming house or gambling house, is an establishment for playing games of chance. These games may include craps, roulette, poker, and blackjack. In addition to these games, some casinos are also famous for their live entertainment and a wide range of dining options.
Casinos earn money by putting their patrons at a disadvantage through built in statistical advantages for the house. These are often referred to as the house edge or “vig” (short for vigorish). For example, a house advantage of less than two percent is expected at most games with an element of skill, such as blackjack or video poker. However, the house advantage is higher for games such as baccarat and roulette that do not have an element of skill.
The house edge for a particular game may vary depending on how it is played, the rules of the game, and the payouts. In a casino, the house edge is measured against total bets and the amount of money returned to players. The house edge is a significant source of income for casinos, and allows them to build elaborate hotels, fountains, pyramids, towers, and replicas of famous landmarks.
The casino industry is regulated and supervised by government agencies. Casino security begins with trained employees who patrol the casino floor and monitor the gaming tables. Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on the activities at the tables and slot machines. The surveillance system is usually wired to a central computer that tracks and records all activity.