What is a Casino?

A casino, also called a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place where people can play gambling games. The games that are played in casinos include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker. These games provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year. In addition, casinos have other entertainment and recreational attractions, such as lighted fountains, music and theme parks.

Unlike table games, which are conducted by live dealers, most casino games use random numbers to determine the outcome of a wager. Some casinos use technology to monitor their games; for example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to oversee the exact amounts bet minute by minute, and a computer program can quickly detect any statistical deviation from their expected results. Casinos may also use elaborate surveillance systems to observe their patrons; the patterns of game play and the manner in which players react follow certain routines, so that security personnel can spot suspicious behavior.

Casinos are widespread throughout the world and are located both in countries with legalized gambling and those where it is not. They are often located on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling laws. In the United States, casinos are generally owned by private companies, although they are sometimes run by Native American tribes. Some casinos have been operated by organized crime figures; these operations usually are financed by illegal drug dealing, extortion, and other criminal activities.