A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance for money. The word is derived from the Latin caino, which means “public hall.” Casinos offer customers a variety of gambling experiences, including table games, slot machines, and poker. They also offer perks such as food and drink. A reputable casino will ensure that its clients are protected and receive fair odds.

Modern casinos employ a combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. The latter often use a high-tech eye in the sky system, which can monitor the entire casino floor at once. In addition, staff in the surveillance room can adjust the cameras to focus on suspicious patrons.

Table games at casinos usually take place around a large table designed for that particular game, with the help of a croupier who enables the game and manages payments. Many of these tables feature a house edge, which is a mathematically determined advantage the casino has over players.

Although some casino games require skill, most of them are based on chance. Because of this, some people are tempted to cheat or steal to gain an unfair advantage. Because of this, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. They also encourage security through rules of conduct and by requiring patrons to keep their cards visible at all times. In addition, they use bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings that can stimulate and cheer gamblers, and avoid using clocks on their walls because they can confuse guests with the passage of time.