A casino is a gambling establishment that serves clients who wish to engage in gaming activities. This type of establishment can be found all over the world and is often combined with hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment.

The precise origins of gambling are unclear, but it is believed that it has been a part of human culture for millennia. Gambling takes many forms, from the roll of dice to the spinning of the roulette wheel. Casinos are businesses and, as such, they must ensure that they turn a profit. This is done through a system of built-in advantages that gives the house a mathematical expectation of winning over the patrons. This advantage is often referred to as the “house edge” in games that have some degree of skill, such as blackjack or Spanish 21. In games that do not require any skill, such as poker, the casino earns money through a commission called the rake.

Unlike some other types of gambling, casinos are usually well-organized and highly structured. Many modern casinos use advanced technology to supervise the games. For example, chip tracking allows a casino to monitor the exact amount wagered minute-by-minute and warn them quickly of any statistical deviations from expected results. In addition, video cameras are often installed at key points in the casino floor to observe activity in the event of a suspicious or criminal nature. These surveillance technologies are often linked to an electronic monitoring system that alerts security personnel to any unusual activity.