A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are stand-alone while others are part of larger resorts or hotels. Casinos also may have restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are regulated by law. For example, in the United States, casinos must be licensed by the state government. This ensures that the casino meets minimum standards for security, gaming, and other purposes. In some cases, the casino must also be a certain distance from a school, church, or other place where children might be present.
Most casino games involve some element of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage over the players. However, some casino games have a skill component and allow players to eliminate the house edge through careful play. Such players are referred to as advantage players.
Generally, casino games are divided into three broad categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, permit a single player to compete against the machine without the involvement of a casino employee. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve a croupier or dealer who interacts with the players. Random number games, such as poker, are based on the selection of random numbers or on other data generated by the game system.
Modern casinos typically have a dedicated security department and closed circuit television systems. Security personnel patrol the casino floor and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.
