A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. These establishments also offer hotel rooms, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They may be combined with other entertainment facilities, such as amusement parks or theatres. They can also be located in places with high population density, such as urban areas. In some cases, casinos are regulated by state law.
The games played in casinos have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house has a long-term advantage over the players, called the house edge or vigorish. However, some of these games have a skill element and players who possess sufficient skills can eliminate this advantage or even make a short-term profit. These players are known as advantage players. In games where the casino does not have an overall advantage, such as poker, the house earns a profit via a commission known as the rake.
Gambling has been a part of human society for millennia, with the first documented instances occurring in 2300 BC China. Dice were a popular form of gambling until the 1400s, when they were replaced by card games such as baccarat and blackjack. During the 1980s, many American states amended their antigambling laws to allow casinos, and they now are found worldwide.
A casino is a gaming establishment offering various gambling activities such as table games, slot machines, and electronic poker. The establishments are usually upscale and offer luxury amenities such as world-class hotels, spas, and restaurants. Security is a key feature of these venues because of the large amounts of money handled within. They employ a variety of security measures, such as cameras, to prevent cheating and theft.