What Is a Casino?

A casino is a facility where people can gamble on games of chance or skill. Many casinos are built on a hotel or resort property, and provide entertainment, dining and other amenities for their guests. The casino business is a global industry, with millions of people visiting them every year. Whether they visit Las Vegas, Macau, or their local neighborhood casino, people enjoy the thrill of gambling and the social aspect of the environment.

While casinos are known for their flashy lights and free drinks, they also have a dark side. Underneath the surface, casinos are mathematically engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have attempted to turn the tables by applying their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system. However, it is nearly impossible to beat the house edge.

The modern casino has a variety of security measures in place to protect its guests and assets. In addition to cameras and other technological devices, casinos employ rules of conduct and behavioral enforcement. For example, players at card games are required to keep their cards in view at all times. Other methods of security include a strict no smoking policy and the use of body scanners.