A casino is a building or room where people can play games of chance for money. The word is derived from the Latin cazino, meaning “little house”. Some casinos have card games that require skill; examples include blackjack, craps, and baccarat. Most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house always has an advantage over the players, which can be expressed more precisely as a negative expected value (from the player’s perspective). The precise nature of these odds varies between different casino games.
The gambling industry is regulated internationally by a variety of laws and conventions. These laws are enforceable by the government, and casinos must follow them in order to operate legally. Casinos may offer a wide range of entertainment, such as concerts and shows, along with dining and lodging options. Many casinos also have sportsbooks, where customers can place bets on a variety of events.
There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker, allow multiple players to play at one time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve a single player competing against the casino or other patrons. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers from a computerized random number generator.
Casinos are typically heavily guarded and have a large security staff to prevent theft or other crimes. They often have a dedicated specialized surveillance department to monitor the premises and respond quickly to any suspicious activity.