A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place for certain types of gambling. It may be equipped with slot machines, table games, or other gambling devices. Some casinos are stand-alone buildings, while others are built in or around hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and even cruise ships. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events like concerts and stand-up comedy.
Beneath the veneer of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have sought to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to beat the rigged system. The results have been mixed, but the pursuit has given rise to a wide variety of casino games and strategies.
The concept of a casino has changed dramatically over the decades. In the United States, casinos began appearing on American Indian reservations in the 1980s, and in the 1990s many states amended their laws to allow for more traditional land-based casinos. Increasingly, casinos are also being built in exotic locales like Venice and Monaco to appeal to tourists seeking a unique experience.
Casinos have to deal with the possibility of cheating and theft by both patrons and employees. As a result, they use several security measures. These range from cameras in and around the casino to sophisticated surveillance systems. In addition, many casinos employ a staff of security officers to monitor the premises and prevent crime.