A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos feature live entertainment such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports events. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is believed to have been a part of human culture for thousands of years.
Most casino games involve chance, and the house always has an advantage over the players. This advantage is mathematically determined and is called the house edge. Some games also require skill, such as poker and blackjack. In such cases, the house retains a percentage of the winnings, which is known as the rake. Some casinos give out complimentary items to players, a practice known as comping. In some countries, the percentage of winnings returned to players is regulated by law.
In the United States, most casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments. Many state regulators are former gaming commissioners or state attorneys general. The majority of casino operators are based in Nevada, which has the largest number of casinos.
Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; most casinos have security measures to prevent this. These may include physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. Casinos also employ a variety of electronic security measures, including closed circuit television and sophisticated data analytics. Some have catwalks in the ceiling above the casino floor, allowing surveillance personnel to look directly down through one way glass on activities at tables and slot machines.
