A casino is a gambling establishment, where patrons place bets on games of chance in exchange for cash. Casinos are a major source of entertainment and attract tourists from all over the world. Many casinos have elaborate themes and features that make them unique. Some are built in old historic buildings, such as the Hippodrome in London, which opened in 1900. Others are designed to be modern and sleek, such as the Mirage in Las Vegas. Some even feature high-tech security measures.

The most common way a casino makes money is by taking a percentage of the amount of each bet, known as a house edge. This advantage is mathematically determined, giving the casino a virtual assurance of a profit. Other casinos make their money by charging an hourly fee for playing table games, or from the rake in poker and other card games.

Casinos are staffed with employees who monitor the games and patrons to ensure everything runs as it should. Dealers at table games can easily spot blatant cheating methods such as palming or marking cards. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the entire casino floor, making sure no one is stealing chips or changing tables. Elaborate surveillance systems have an eye-in-the-sky effect, allowing casino staff to watch every table, window and doorway from a separate room filled with banks of security monitors.

Something about casinos (probably the presence of large amounts of money) encourages people to cheat, steal or scam their way into a jackpot. This is why casinos spend a huge amount of time, energy and money on security. In addition to cameras, security personnel patrol the premises and look out for suspicious patrons.