A casino is a gambling establishment, a building or room where people can gamble and play games of chance. The games played in casinos are usually based on luck and strategy, but some have an element of skill. Players who have sufficient skills can reduce the house edge and earn a profit. Most casinos have security measures to prevent cheating and stealing. These measures may include cameras and other detection devices, but they often include rules of conduct and behavioral guidelines for patrons.
In addition to traditional casino games, many casinos offer Asian-style table games such as sic bo (which spread from China to several European and American casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan, baccarat, and pai gow poker. Some even have keno, bingo, and other games popular in social gatherings. Many casinos also have restaurants and bars.
Most modern casinos have two specialized departments for security: one that patrols the physical premises, and another that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, often called an “eye in the sky.” The personnel in these departments work closely together to spot suspicious or criminal activity. Their job is made easier by the fact that casino employees and patrons tend to follow certain patterns, such as the way they shake hands, the way they walk around the floor, and the way they place their bets. These patterns can make it easier for security personnel to spot something out of the ordinary. In addition, casino security has extensive access to the video recordings of their work, and this can be helpful in prosecuting crimes or identifying perpetrators.
