A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term is derived from the Latin casin, meaning “little house.” The modern casino has many features that distinguish it from other gambling houses:

Most casinos offer games of chance and some also offer skill-based games. The games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an edge over players, which is called the house edge. The edge is not uniform across all games, however, because the exact odds depend on the game rules and the number of cards dealt. In games of chance, the house edge can be reduced by optimal strategy, but in skill-based games, it is impossible to eliminate completely. The house edge is usually augmented by the house’s commission on winning bets, known as the rake.

Casinos strive to keep patrons happy and spending money. In addition to free food and drink, they provide spectacular entertainment and elegant living quarters. They also reward high rollers with gifts like hotel rooms, shows, limo service and airline tickets. This is referred to as comping.

Because large amounts of cash are handled within a casino, security is an important consideration. Casinos have a variety of security measures, from armed guards to closed circuit television. Security personnel constantly monitor the games and the patrons, looking for blatant cheating or theft. The routines of the games and the expected reactions of players follow patterns, making it easier for security people to spot something out of the ordinary.