A casino is a gambling establishment where people can place bets on games of chance or skill. Some of these games involve interaction between players, such as in poker or craps. Others are played against the house, such as blackjack or video poker. In any case, the house has a mathematical advantage over the gamblers; this is known as the house edge. The casino makes money by taking a small percentage of all bets made, often called the vig or rake. In addition, the casino may offer complimentary items or services to high rollers, called comps.

Although gambling probably predates recorded history, the modern casino as we know it did not emerge until the 16th century, when a gaming craze swept Europe. Casinos evolved as a way for patrons to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof.

The modern casino is a highly specialized business that relies on sophisticated technology to control the integrity of its games and ensure that patrons are treated fairly. Elaborate surveillance systems provide an “eye-in-the-sky” capability to monitor everything that happens on the casino floor at all times. In some cases, the systems can even identify suspicious activities such as a sudden drop in table turnover or a roulette wheel that appears to be biased.

The casino industry is regulated by government agencies in many countries. The regulatory body usually has the power to create rules and regulations for gambling operators, award licenses, and oversee casinos’ operations. Most states also include statutory provisions for responsible gambling. According to a 2005 study by Roper Reports and GfK NOP, the typical American casino patron is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income.