What Is a Casino?

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A casino is a gambling establishment with slot machines, table games and other entertainment options. Some casinos also offer hotel rooms and other amenities. Guests can gamble, watch live entertainment and dine at one of the many restaurants or bars. Modern casinos are equipped with security forces and specialized surveillance departments. The former patrols the casino floor while the latter operates its closed circuit television system, often called “the eye in the sky.”

While a game of chance always has an inherent long-term disadvantage for players (known as the house edge), some games have skill elements and can be beaten by knowledgeable players. Those who successfully eliminate the house edge are known as advantage players. In games such as poker, the house takes a commission known as the rake. Because of this, casinos rarely lose money on their games; they are able to make substantial short-term gains on the backs of the advantaged players.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. Many are located in cities such as Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Chicago. Other casinos can be found in American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws. The majority of casinos are owned by private corporations. They are operated by companies such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Wynn Resorts. A few casinos are operated by public authorities such as the government of Macau. Casinos are usually regulated by gaming boards.