Casino is the name given to a public place where various games of chance are played. These include the games of poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno, which earn casinos billions of dollars each year in gambling profits. While dazzling fountains, shopping centers and elaborate hotels are part of the attraction, a casino would not exist without the games themselves. Every game has a built-in statistical advantage for the casino that ensures its profit over time, even if only a small percentage of bettors win each day.
Modern casino buildings have a vast array of entertainment options to draw in customers, from stage shows and lavish rooms to buffets and upscale bars. Regardless of what type of games are offered, the casino is primarily a venue for people to gamble and socialize with each other.
The most famous casino is in Las Vegas, but other top venues are located around the world. They are typically found in cities with populations of a million or more and have a range of amenities to attract tourists. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, for example, first attracted royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago and continues to appeal to wealthy European visitors today.
Casino security starts on the casino floor, where employees keep a close eye on players. Dealers watch for blatant cheating by palming or marking cards, and pit bosses look for betting patterns that indicate collusion at table games. In the past, mobster involvement in many casinos threatened their business, but federal crackdowns and the threat of losing a license have kept mob control at bay. Casinos also employ mathematicians to determine house edges and variance for each of their games.
