A casino is a place where people gamble and bet on games of chance. Some of these games involve skill (e.g., poker), but most of them rely on luck. The house always has an advantage over the players, a fact that is mathematically determined by odds and known as the “house edge.” In addition to gambling, casinos also offer other forms of entertainment such as musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers, and lavish hotels. While these features attract customers, they would not exist without the games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and other games provide the billions of dollars in profits that casinos rake in each year.
Because of the large amounts of money that are handled within casinos, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. As a result, casinos spend much time and money on security. Security cameras are an obvious measure, but casinos also rely on the routines and habits of their patrons to deter cheating and theft. The way dealers shuffle cards and the expected reactions of players follow particular patterns, making it easier for security personnel to spot something out of the ordinary.
Many casinos offer special rooms for high rollers, where the stakes are often in the tens of thousands of dollars. These rooms are usually separate from the main floor and are designed with luxurious amenities to appeal to wealthy patrons. Less expensive comps are offered to regular patrons, and most casinos use computerized systems to track their spending and game preferences.