A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These establishments are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and other tourist attractions. The casino industry is regulated by law in many jurisdictions. Some casinos are operated by government-owned corporations, while others are owned and operated by private individuals or groups. Many casinos are located in cities with large populations, and some are built near or combined with other entertainment facilities such as theme parks.
Some casinos also offer a variety of other games, such as video poker, blackjack, and roulette. These games are usually based on chance, although some have an element of skill. In the case of table games, the house always has an advantage over players. This advantage, which can be calculated mathematically, is known as the house edge. In the case of card games, the house makes a profit through a commission known as the rake.
Gambling has been part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of dice was found in China as early as 2300 BC, and cards came into use around 500 AD. Modern casino gambling started in Atlantic City in 1978, and during the 1980s many American states amended their antigambling laws to permit casinos. Casinos are also found on some American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state gambling laws.
In addition to gaming machines and tables, most casinos have several bars and restaurants. These are a major source of revenue for the gambling business. They also offer entertainment such as concerts and stand-up comedy. Some casinos have theaters that host professional stage productions.
The casinos are also equipped with surveillance systems to monitor activity and prevent theft. They have security forces that patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or criminal behavior. They also have a specialized department for closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring. Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling, which allow surveillance personnel to look down directly from above on the activities of gamblers at the tables and machines.
The security in casinos is a complex issue. While some people argue that casinos are unsafe, most authorities agree that the risk of crime in a casino is minimal. However, the fact that a casino is an expensive attraction that draws large numbers of tourists, means it must provide security on a scale that is not feasible for most local governments to afford. This is why many casinos are built in cities with large populations and are protected by police and other security forces. In addition, the casinos are heavily regulated by the gaming commission.