What Is a Casino?

A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may also be combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. Some casinos host live entertainment events. The word casino is derived from the Italian word for “little house”.

In modern usage, the term can refer to an entire building or room dedicated to gambling. It can also refer to a specific type of game, such as baccarat or poker. The most common casino games are card and table games, with the former including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The latter includes poker, which is distinguished from other card games by its high skill level and low house edge.

Online casinos offer a wide variety of software and game types. They can range from traditional video slots to keno, bingo, dice, and live dealer tables. They often feature multiple versions of each game, as well as progressive jackpots and themed games. They also feature a wide range of betting limits, making them ideal for casual players as well as serious gamblers.

Modern casinos are typically protected by a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that patrols the casino floor and monitors its closed-circuit television system. These departments work closely together to prevent crime and are often able to respond quickly to calls for assistance or suspicious activity. Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently.