A casino is a popular establishment that offers gambling-related entertainment to patrons. Some casinos specialize in certain types of games, while others offer a wide range of different casino-related activities. These activities may include blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and slot machines. Casinos are often located near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions.
Some of the most famous casinos in the world are known for their glamour, history, or both. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, has become a symbol of luxury and is regularly featured in movies and television shows. Other famous casinos include the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, the Casino de Lisbon in Portugal, and the Casino Baden-Baden in Germany.
Most casino games are based on chance, but some have a skill element. Some are played against the house, such as card games like blackjack or baccarat, while others are played against other players at tables, such as poker. In games that require skill, the house advantage is small and can be offset by using a strategy.
In recent years, many casinos have made major investments in technology to increase security and monitor game results. Some examples include chip tracking, where betting chips with built-in microcircuitry are linked to electronic systems that oversee the exact amount wagered minute-by-minute; and table surveillance cameras that monitor wheels of chance for statistical deviations from their expected results. In some cases, such as in a poker tournament, this data can be used to identify the best player.