A casino is a facility where people can play games of chance or skill, and if they win, they get paid. These facilities often offer food, drinks, and entertainment. They are usually brightly lit and noisy, and have music playing. Some have a stage for performers. Many casinos have a dress code, and some do not allow smoking.
Most casino games have a house edge, a mathematical advantage the casino has over the player. This edge can be found in games such as baccarat, craps, blackjack, and video poker. In games such as poker where players compete against each other, the house takes a commission known as the rake.
Casinos earn much of their profits from high-stakes gamblers, who are referred to as “high rollers.” These players gamble in special rooms away from the main floor, and spend a great deal of time at the tables. In order to attract such gamblers, casinos will often give them free merchandise and services called comps. These can include hotel rooms, shows, meals, and even limo service and airline tickets.
Most casinos use technology to monitor their patrons. Cameras monitor the action on the gambling floors to make sure patrons are not cheating or stealing, and table managers and pit bosses watch the games with a broader view. Some tables have electronic systems that oversee betting chips with built-in microcircuitry, allowing casinos to see minute-by-minute wagers and quickly discover any statistical deviation from expected results.