A casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played for money. The games of chance include poker, roulette and baccarat. Many casinos also feature other table games, such as keno and craps. Some casinos even have video poker. These places are designed to make money, and they usually have a house edge, meaning that a player can expect to lose more than they win.
Casinos have a large focus on security. They hire highly trained personnel who monitor patrons for a variety of issues. The security staff looks for blatant cheating like marking, palming and dice shimmying, as well as betting patterns that suggest cheating. Security also tracks the actions of dealers, pit bosses and other casino employees to make sure that they follow a consistent pattern.
In addition, there are special cameras that monitor for suspicious behavior around the tables. A shady act can lead to a loss of profits and may even result in the loss of a license.
There are over 1,000 casinos in the United States, and hundreds more worldwide. The casinos range from lavish resorts in Las Vegas to smaller neighborhood establishments. A large percentage of these casinos feature poker games, and the biggest ones host a wide variety of live tournaments and events. The typical casino gambler is an older woman with above-average income and plenty of vacation time. This group makes up the majority of the gambling market, according to 2005 surveys by Roper Reports GfK NOP and TNS, as well as the National Profile Study and the U.S. Gaming Panel.