A casino is a place where people can play various gambling games, usually for real money. Some casinos also offer other entertainment activities, such as shows and dining. Some states have laws regulating the operation of casinos, while others do not. Some casinos are operated by government agencies, while others are owned and operated by private individuals or corporations. The largest casinos are in Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Casinos may also be found on American Indian reservations and in some countries overseas.
Most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house a constant advantage over players, irrespective of skill level. This advantage is often referred to as the house edge or expected value. Casinos sometimes give out free goods or services to gamblers as comps. Other casino income comes from a rake, a commission that is taken from the pot of money at table games.
Security at a casino begins on the floor, where employees are constantly watching patrons to spot suspicious behavior like palming cards or marking dice. The casino also has a network of catwalks above the tables and slot machines, which allow surveillance personnel to look down on the action through one-way glass.
Card games are a staple of the casino, and most offer a variety of different types of poker, baccarat (in its popular chemin de fer form), blackjack and trente et quarante. Some casinos also feature traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo and fan-tan.