A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are operated by governments, while others are private enterprises. In addition to providing gaming opportunities, some casinos serve food and drinks. The term is also used for facilities that host live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy or concerts. In military and non-military usage, a casino (plural: ca*si*nos) may refer to an officers’ mess or a similar building.
The best-known casino in the world is probably the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which features more than 380 tables and a large sports betting area with 60 large plasma TVs. It was featured in the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven. The casino in Macau is another notable landmark, with its dazzling skyscraper design inspired by a birdcage and its enormous LED dome.
In games with an element of skill, such as poker and blackjack, the house has a mathematical advantage over the players that is called the house edge. In games that do not involve skill, such as roulette and craps, the house makes money by taking a commission on the bets placed, known as the rake.
Modern casinos employ a high level of technology to monitor and supervise their games. For example, in chip tracking, each bet is electronically monitored minute-by-minute so the casino can be alerted if there is any statistical deviation from expected results; and roulette wheels are computerized to detect anomalies quickly. Generally, casino security is divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department.