A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the vast majority of entertainment (and profits for the owners) coming from games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and baccarat bring in billions every year. While lighted fountains, musical shows and lavish hotels help draw customers, they could not exist without the games of chance.
Most casino games are based on luck, but some allow for an element of skill. In those that do not involve competing against the house, the casino earns money by taking a percentage of all wagers, or “winnings.” This is called the rake. Those that do involve competition against other players—such as poker—typically award winnings in the form of cash or items, or comps.
Security is a vital part of casino operations. Cameras cover all areas of the facility, and electronic monitoring systems enable casinos to watch wagers minute by minute and detect any statistical deviations from expected results. Casinos also monitor the actions of their employees to prevent cheating and bribery. Pit bosses and table managers oversee individual tables with a wider view, watching for blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards or dice.
Some casinos offer traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo and fan-tan, as well as regional favorites such as two-up in Australia and banca francesa in Portugal. Others feature a wide range of popular Western games, and are designed to appeal to tourists from all over the world.