A casino, also called a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is an establishment where people can legally gamble. Modern casinos often include other attractions, such as restaurants, shopping centers, hotels and other forms of entertainment. Many states have laws regulating the operation of casinos. Some have banned them completely, while others regulate them closely. Some casinos are operated by government-sanctioned entities, such as Native American tribes or the military. Others are owned by private corporations or individuals. Some casinos specialize in specific types of games, such as poker or baccarat.
Most casino games have an element of skill or chance, but the house always has a mathematical edge. The house advantage is defined as the percentage of total wagers the casino will win. In games such as baccarat and blackjack, the casino’s edge is less than in roulette and craps. In some cases, the edge is determined by the rules of the game; in other cases, it is determined by a complex mathematical formula.
In addition to the physical security forces, most casinos have specialized surveillance departments. These departments have cameras that monitor the entire casino floor. Typically, these cameras are arranged in an “eye-in-the-sky” pattern that allows the surveillance personnel to focus on suspicious patrons or monitor any area of the casino at any time.
Other casino activities include live entertainment such as musical shows, and some offer themed restaurants and other amenities that distinguish them from traditional hotels and other entertainment venues. Some casinos are located in areas with high populations of tourists, and they use their amenities to attract visitors and generate revenue. The casinos’ economic impact on the surrounding community varies, however. In some instances, the money spent by casino visitors actually diverts spending away from other forms of local entertainment and may even result in negative economic effects. In addition, studies indicate that the number of compulsive gamblers in a given area can overwhelm any positive economic impact the casino might have.
The casino industry is a major employer in many cities and regions. It also contributes to the tourism industry, providing jobs in hotel and restaurant operations and in other support services. Many casino employees are residents of the region, and some are former residents who have returned to their home towns to work at a casino. In some cases, this return to the community has spurred other businesses to open in the region.
Most casino operations are legal in the United States. The first modern casinos opened in Nevada, and the industry spread to other states as they amended their antigambling laws. In the 1980s, casinos began opening on various Indian reservations, which were not subject to state antigambling laws. Currently, there are more than 3,000 casinos in the United States and around the world. The majority are in cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In addition, there are a large number of Native American casinos. In the United States, casino revenues have increased substantially since 1978, and they continue to grow.