A casino is a place where people pay to play games of chance or skill. The games often have a house advantage, and the casino takes a commission on winning bets, known as the rake. Casinos are found worldwide, with the largest number in the United States. They are regulated by law in most jurisdictions and many have become tourist attractions.
A well-known casino is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, which first opened in 1856. It has been featured in several movies, including the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven. Another famous casino is the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which is renowned for its elegance and sophistication. Its slot machines and poker rooms attract casual and high stakes gamblers alike.
While the majority of casinos feature traditional casino games such as blackjack and roulette, some also offer a range of Far Eastern games. These include sic bo (which spread to European casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan and pai gow. In addition, some casinos host entertainment events such as concerts and shows.
Because large amounts of money are handled in a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most casinos employ security measures. These usually include cameras placed throughout the facility, and some even have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down on players through one-way glass. In some instances, security measures include a full-time staff of private investigators.