A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Its name is derived from the Italian word for small clubhouse, and it refers to a place where people meet to gamble and play games of chance or skill. Modern casinos are often designed around entertainment and excitement, and they are characterized by a variety of games, high-stakes betting, and glitzy decor. Most casinos also offer food and drink, and many have a show or other forms of live entertainment.
Most casino games are based on probability and can have different house edges, depending on how the game is played. Some, like roulette and craps, are more likely to appeal to large bettors, who can push the advantage of the house lower; others, such as slot machines and video poker, are a better choice for smaller bettors. The most common casino games are poker, blackjack, and roulette. Other games, such as sic bo (which originated in Asia and is found throughout Europe), fan-tan, and pai gow are occasionally played.
Because casinos handle large amounts of money, they are susceptible to theft and fraud by both patrons and employees. To prevent these crimes, most casinos have strict security measures in place. These usually include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the casino’s closed circuit television system. In addition, the security staff regularly inspects all gaming tables to ensure that no one is cheating or stealing.