A casino is a facility where people can gamble by playing games of chance or, in some cases, skill. The games are usually conducted by a live dealer and are either purely random or have an element of skill (such as blackjack, roulette, craps, or baccarat). Most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure that the house always wins, and these odds are known as the house edge. In games in which players compete against each other, such as poker, the casino earns money through a commission known as the rake.
Most casinos have several security measures in place to prevent cheating and theft by both customers and staff. These may include cameras, background checks for new hires, and other standard precautions. Some casinos also have a security department that specializes in detecting cheating and other illegal activities.
The word casino comes from the Italian casona, meaning “cottage” or “guest house.” The world’s oldest casino, Casino di Venezia, is located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy and has a unique feature that allows guests to arrive by free boat shuttle service. The largest casino in Europe is the Casino Lisboa, which has over 1,000 slot machines and 26 table games. It also features a contemporary art gallery, three restaurants, and a flexible auditorium. In addition, many casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one way glass, on activity at the tables and slots.
