A casino (also called a caisino or gaming hall) is a gambling establishment that offers a wide variety of games of chance to its customers. The house always wins in a casino game, regardless of skill level or luck of the player. This is because of a built-in mathematical advantage the casino has over players, known as the house edge or expected value. Casinos are a major source of revenue for some governments and local businesses. They also affect property values in surrounding areas and create jobs in construction, security, cleaning, and food and beverage services.
Modern casinos are very heavily regulated and have a strong focus on security, with a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. They often employ CCTV, electronic monitoring, and other technology to ensure that their customers are safe. Some of the largest casinos are located in Macau, a special administrative region of China that is considered a Las Vegas-style city, with high-rise hotels, shopping centers, and world-famous restaurants.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany’s Black Forest first became famous for its casino 150 years ago, luring royalty and the aristocracy to its red-and-gold poker rooms and blackjack and roulette tables. Today it is one of the most opulent and sophisticated casino destinations on earth, with its own high-limit table area, poker room, and sports book. It has even launched its own online gambling platform.
