A casino is an establishment for gambling. Casinos feature a variety of games, and some also offer dining, shopping, shows, and other entertainment. Many of these are located in popular tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas, Macau, and Reno. Some are standalone, while others are part of hotels or resorts.
The term casino may also refer to a private club established for members only. This kind of facility is common in countries that legalized casinos in the latter half of the 20th century. Some casinos are located in cities known for their nightlife and party scene, such as Las Vegas, and to some extent Atlantic City.
In addition to traditional games like roulette, craps, and blackjack, some casinos feature poker variations such as Caribbean stud and baccarat, along with other table games. Some of these games require skill; others, such as poker, do not. Slot machines and video poker are the economic mainstay of American casinos, generating income through high volume and rapid play at sums ranging from five cents to one dollar or more.
Casinos must continually monitor their financial position, including the house edge of individual games and the variance of their expected value, and adjust their operations accordingly. This work is usually done by gaming mathematicians and computer programmers. For example, the chips used in table games have built-in microcircuitry to allow the casinos to oversee how much is being wagered minute by minute and quickly detect any anomaly.