What Is a Casino?

A casino (from Latin: casino, meaning “little house”) is a building or room where people gamble. Some casinos are also known as gambling halls, saloons, or gaming rooms. A large casino may have one or more gaming tables, and a variety of other entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, and live music. Casinos are most often located in cities with many tourists and are sometimes open around the clock. The world’s most famous casinos are noted for their lavishness, with opulent decor and dozens of games available to patrons. In addition to traditional table games, most casinos offer electronic versions of popular card and dice games such as poker.

Some casinos, especially those that cater to high rollers, use advanced security measures such as cameras and specialized lighting to prevent cheating or collusion. Several casinos have catwalks in their ceilings, which allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass at players at the tables or machines.

Choosing the right online casino starts with selecting one that is legitimate. Legitimate online casinos are licensed and regulated by respected authorities such as Curacao eGaming, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, or the Malta Gaming Authority. Look for these seals on the casino’s website, as well as a secure SSL certificate in the URL bar. The best online casinos also have multiple customer support options including live chat and a North American phone number. They should also have a wide range of payment methods including Interac, which is a must for Canadian players.