A casino is a gambling establishment that offers customers the opportunity to gamble for money. These establishments may also offer food and beverages, as well as other entertainment options such as live music and shows. In many states, casinos are regulated by government agencies. Some have a dress code and are open to persons 21 years of age or older.
Most casino games involve chance, but some have an element of skill. The mathematical expectation of a game’s outcome is determined by its rules and the number of cards dealt, and is usually negative (that is, expected value is less than zero). Unlike slot machines, which are programmed to return a certain percentage of the money they take in, table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and video poker require human dealers, who are paid a commission known as the rake.
Some casinos are built in conjunction with hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions, or are standalone facilities. Those that cater exclusively to gambling are often called gaming houses or gambling halls, but the term casino is most commonly used for places that feature multiple types of gambling.
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