What is a Casino?

A casino is a place where people gamble. There are table games, slot machines and other electronic games. Some have an element of skill, such as blackjack and video poker. Most have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage, sometimes called the “house edge.”

In addition to gambling, casinos provide live entertainment. They have long been a popular place to host musical acts. For example, Frank Sinatra began his Vegas residency at Caesars Circus Maximus showroom in 1968. This venue later became The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where a variety of stars have performed, including Elton John, Madonna, Rod Stewart and Mariah Carey.

Those who win large sums of money are known as high rollers. They are a key target for thieves and cheats, who want to steal their winnings. This is why casinos spend so much time and money on security.

If you have ever visited a casino, you have probably seen a number of black domes on the ceiling. These are hidden cameras that keep an eye on the casino floor. You may also have noticed that the tables are not full of cash, but rather paper chips. There are several reasons for this. One is that it psychologically makes people think they are not playing with real money. Another is that it is easier for surveillance to detect the difference between chips and cash. Lastly, many people forget to cash in their chips or take them home, which is pure profit for the casino.