A casino is a building or room where gambling games are played. The term is most often applied to places that offer traditional table games like blackjack and roulette, but it also can describe places that host other types of gaming events such as poker tournaments. The casino industry is a major source of revenue for many states. It is estimated that the world’s casinos generate over $240 billion in annual revenues. Although a large portion of this revenue comes from slot machines, the business would not exist without other games of chance such as craps, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.
The house edge is the expected advantage that the casino has over the players in a game of chance. In games where skill is involved, the house edge can be reduced to zero by using basic strategy. A casino’s profit is the difference between the house edge and the total amount of money wagered. The house edge is not a fixed value, but depends on the rules and equipment used.
To avoid cheating by patrons or employees, casinos employ a variety of security measures. These range from physical security forces to specialized surveillance departments. Cameras throughout the casino monitor activity, and some have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass at the floor from above. In addition, most tables have a pit boss or table manager who watches over the dealers to prevent collusion or robbery.