A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. In its modern sense, the word is most often used to refer to a large building or complex where gambling takes place, but it may also describe a smaller, more intimate establishment. Casinos are often located in or near hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They can be found in most countries where legal gambling is available.
In addition to gaming tables, casinos often feature a selection of electronic games with random numbers generated by a computer program or other equipment. These games typically have a house edge, which gives the casino a predictable long-term advantage over the players. Some casinos offer skill-based games, in which the players can reduce or eliminate the house edge by making intelligent decisions. Players with sufficient skills to overcome the house edge are known as advantage players.
In some jurisdictions, casinos are required to implement specific security measures to prevent cheating or theft by patrons. These measures can include cameras and other electronic monitoring devices, as well as rules governing the behavior of patrons and staff. Because of the large amount of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. As a result, casinos frequently employ security personnel and use sophisticated surveillance technologies. Some casinos also offer sports betting, which brings in a different type of gambler and can make the experience more lively.