A casino is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling. Some casinos are standalone facilities, while others are integrated into other tourist attractions or hotels. A number of states have legalized casinos, and several countries around the world host large-scale gaming operations.
Most casinos offer games of chance, with some also offering games of skill. In most cases, the house has an edge over the players; this advantage is mathematically determined and can be expressed in terms of expected value (EV). The casino may take a percentage of the money wagered or collect a flat fee per player. Some casinos also feature entertainment such as stand-up comedy, concerts, or sports events.
Modern casinos typically have a physical security force that patrols the facility and responds to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. In addition, a specialized surveillance department operates the casino’s closed-circuit television system, which is sometimes referred to as the “eye in the sky”.
The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been an integral part of human culture. The first known casino was in ancient Egypt, and the practice spread throughout the world as civilizations developed. In modern times, casinos have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. They are particularly common in the United States, where there are more than 1,000 licensed casinos. Las Vegas is the largest casino center in the world, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago.