A casino, also known as a gambling hall or a gaming establishment, is a place where people pay to gamble. The games played in these casinos are based on chance, although some may have an element of skill. Generally, the house has a mathematical advantage over players (known as the house edge), but some games have a skill element that can eliminate this advantage over time. Those who develop strategies to beat the house edge are known as advantage players.
The popularity of casinos has grown throughout the world, with some countries legalizing casino gambling and others prohibiting it. Many of the games are derived from Far Eastern traditions, and some are unique to certain regions. For example, Asian casinos typically feature traditional games like sic bo, fan-tan, and pai gow. European casinos often feature classics such as blackjack and roulette, while North American casinos are dominated by slots.
In addition to slot machines and table games, many casinos have entertainment and amusements that attract customers. Some of these include a shark aquarium, an ice bar, and a sports book with multiple TVs. Others offer a variety of restaurants and bars.
Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, there is always a risk of theft. To reduce this risk, modern casinos employ security measures. These usually include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The security department patrols the casino and responds to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity, while the surveillance department operates the casino’s closed circuit television system.