A casino is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. It is also a gathering place for people to socialize and take in entertainment. While many casinos are located in major cities, there are also a number of smaller casinos. Some of these are run by individual gambling operators and others are owned by large hotel and casino chains. The cost of a casino visit can vary significantly depending on the location and type of casino.
Casino security begins on the casino floor, where employees keep a close eye on patrons to make sure all games are played fairly. Dealers can easily spot blatant cheating methods, such as palming or marking cards or switching dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a much broader view of patron activities, checking to see that tables aren’t stealing from each other and noticing betting patterns that might indicate cheating.
Most casino games involve a certain amount of luck and a little skill, but they are mostly based on mathematical odds that give the house an advantage over players, even when the game is played properly. The advantage is called the “house edge” and is built into the rules of the games. Some games, such as blackjack, have a more dramatic effect on the house edge than others, such as roulette or video poker.
Because so much money changes hands in a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is why most casinos have a variety of security measures in place.