A casino is a gambling establishment, offering games of chance for players to gamble with cash or other objects of value. The casino industry is a major source of income for some nations, particularly those with legalized casinos. Many casinos are famous, and some have been depicted in works of fiction such as the Monte Carlo casino featured in Ben Mezrich’s book Busting Vegas.

A modern casino has a strong emphasis on security and surveillance. Most have a physical security force that patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Most also have a specialized department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as “the eye in the sky.”

Table games are the mainstay of most casinos. They provide a high average return on investment and offer the possibility for large short-term gains. The games typically involve a dealer who manages the game and deals the cards or spins the wheel. Casinos often have special tables for high stakes players. Players whose skills allow them to eliminate the inherent long-term disadvantage (known as the house edge or vigorish) of a particular casino game are called advantage players.

The financial viability of casinos depends on the number of bets placed, and the percentage of those bets that win. Every casino game has a mathematical expectancy, and it is rare for a patron to win more than the casino can afford to pay out. This virtual assurance of gross profit makes it possible for casinos to offer big bettors lavish inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, transportation and elegant living quarters.