A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are sometimes combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and local governments. Some are operated by Native American tribes. In some states, casino gaming is legal only on reservations.
Modern casinos are usually supervised by security departments that are divided into two parts: physical security and specialized surveillance. The latter monitors casino operations through closed circuit television and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, in collusion or independently; thus, most casinos have stringent security measures.
Most casino games have a built-in advantage for the house, or “house edge,” which ensures that the house will always make a profit, at least over the long term, even if players win some of their bets. However, some casino games have a skill element, and players who possess sufficient skills to eliminate the house edge are known as advantage players.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was a playground for nineteenth century European royalty and aristocracy; today’s high-flying accountants, lawyers, and CEOs are more likely to be found in its red-and-gold poker rooms or around its plethora of blackjack and roulette tables. If you’re looking for a more modern, high-tech gambling experience, check out Macao’s glittering Hotel Lisboa, designed to look like a birdcage and lit up by a million LED bulbs.