A casino is an establishment that offers various types of gambling. Most casinos feature slot machines and table games. Some have restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Some are combined with hotels, resorts, or other tourist attractions. The term may also refer to a private club that offers limited gambling services. In the United States, the casino industry is regulated by state law. Many states prohibit or restrict the type of games offered and the maximum bet amounts allowed.
A small percentage of a casino’s gross revenue is returned to players as comps or complimentary items. The remainder is kept as profit. The house edge, or house advantage, is the mathematically determined average advantage that the casino has over the players in any game. In games with an element of skill, such as blackjack and poker, the house advantage is smaller than in pure chance games.
Modern casino security is usually divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The physical force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of definite criminal activity. The surveillance department operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as the eye in the sky.
Las Vegas, Nevada is perhaps the world’s best-known casino city. Other notable casinos include Monte Carlo, featured in several James Bond novels and films; and the Venetian Macau, which features a canal with gondolas, 350 shops, a live arena, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Caesars Palace, located in the heart of the Strip, is famous for its celebrity residencies, including Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, and Mariah Carey.