A casino, or gaming house, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos offer a wide variety of games of chance, in some cases with an element of skill. Customers gamble by placing bets on the outcome of these games, often for money or other valuable items. Some casinos also offer food and drinks, and some even host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is widely believed to have existed in some form throughout history.
Modern casinos employ a combination of technology and human security personnel to ensure the safety and protection of patrons and employees. Physical security staff patrol the casino floor and respond to calls for assistance or alleged criminal activity. Casinos also use closed circuit television and other surveillance technologies to monitor and record activities in the casino.
Table games like baccarat (or chemin de fer in the French casinos), blackjack, and poker are common features of casino gambling. These games are played around a table that is designed for the specific game, and a croupier or dealer enables the game and manages payments. The casino profits either by taking a percentage of each pot or by charging an hourly fee to play.
Casinos are primarily an adult-oriented facility and cater to high-rollers, VIPs, and those with above-average incomes. In 2005, according to research conducted by Roper Reports GfK NOP and TNS, the typical American casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income.