A casino is a building or room where people can gamble. The term is also used for the games played in such establishments, including roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, and other gambling activities. Casinos are usually located in or near hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state law. In most cases, they are owned by private individuals or corporations. In some cases, they are operated by government-sponsored enterprises.
Although the precise origin of gambling is unknown, it is believed to have existed in some form throughout history. Ancient Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece, and Elizabethan England all had forms of gambling. Modern casino gambling, as practiced in the United States and elsewhere, includes games of chance or skill. Some, such as poker and blackjack, involve dealing cards; others, such as roulette, baccarat, and keno, have random numbers generated by electronic devices. Most games have a mathematical advantage for the house, which is known as the house edge, although some, such as craps and roulette, have an element of skill.
To ensure honesty, most casinos use technology to supervise the games. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry allow the casino to monitor exact amounts wagered minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly for statistical deviations from expected results. Despite these measures, some cheating and theft do occur, both in collusion with other players and independently. The security staff of a casino may also investigate allegations of improper conduct by patrons.
