A casino (also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment) is a building or room in which games of chance are played. Casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities. Some casinos are located in or near cities, while others are located in remote areas. In the United States, casinos are primarily found in the states of Nevada and New Jersey. Casinos can also be operated by private companies.
Some casinos use specialized technology to supervise their games. Chips with built-in microcircuitry allow for monitoring of betting amounts minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any deviation from their expected average speed; and video cameras record game play. Besides these technological devices, casinos employ many people to ensure the fairness of their games. These employees include dealers, security guards, and cashiers. Some casinos also offer food and drinks to their patrons, although alcohol consumption may impair the gambler’s ability to make sound decisions.
Table games are the most common gambling offerings in casinos, with roulette and blackjack the most popular. In some countries, such as France, casinos reduce their advantage on these games to entice big bettors, and some games only require a 1 percent house edge. The economic mainstays of most American casinos are slot machines and video poker machines, which rely on high volume and fast play to generate substantial revenue.
While some casinos are based in major metropolitan areas, many are scattered throughout the country and often have a local flavor. For instance, Myrtle Beach has a casino on a cruise ship, while Atlantic City offers the classic glitz of Las Vegas. In addition to land-based casinos, several Indian reservations operate casinos.