A casino (or gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These are often combined with hotels, restaurants and retail shops. They are also found on cruise ships and in some military installations. The word is derived from the Latin casin
In modern usage, casinos are places where people can gamble by playing games of chance or skill, such as roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker. Almost all of these games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house a uniformly negative expectation from players’ viewpoint, and this is often called the “house edge”.
Casinos use technology to supervise their operations and protect patrons. This includes electronic systems for tracking bets, table game chips with built-in microcircuitry, and regular inspections of roulette wheels to discover any statistical deviations from expected results. Casinos also monitor their security by using cameras and other means.
Casinos make a substantial contribution to the tourism industry and to the economies of their host cities, states, and nations. They offer an exciting mix of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, as well as sports events and convention facilities. Some, like Monte Carlo in Monaco, are famous for their glitz and glamour. Others, such as Reno in Nevada, have adapted to the demands of their customers by becoming resorts that feature gaming. In the United States, most states have legalized casinos and many are home to numerous Native American casinos on Indian reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.