A casino is a place where people gamble by playing games of chance or, in some cases, skill. The most common games are roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack and video poker. Most of these games have mathematically determined odds that give the house a small advantage over the players. The house edge can vary based on the game, the amount of money wagered and the number of bets placed. This advantage is often referred to as the “vig” or the rake. In some games, like poker, the house also takes a commission, called a “vigorish.”
In addition to offering a wide variety of gambling activities, casinos focus on customer service and provide perks to their most frequent visitors. These perks, called comps, can include free hotel rooms, food and show tickets. Some casinos even offer limo and airline tickets to high-spending customers.
Casinos must be secure environments because large amounts of cash are handled there, and patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal from each other or the company. Security personnel are located throughout the facility and monitor all activity on the gaming floors. They also watch for shady betting patterns that could signal collusion between players or a dealer. The casino floor is designed around noise, light and excitement, and the routines of various games create visual patterns that make it easier for security to spot improprieties.