A casino is a place where patrons can play games of chance or, in the case of poker and other table games, against each other. Most casino games have a mathematically determined house edge, although some, like craps, have an element of skill. The casino earns money from these games by taking a commission on the winning bets, known as rake. In addition, casinos offer complimentary items to gamblers, such as free drinks and food.
Because large amounts of cash are handled within a casino, security is an important aspect of any gambling establishment. Casino employees, from dealers to pit bosses, keep an eye on the players and their betting patterns. They can also spot blatant cheating, such as palming, marking or switching cards or dice. Using cameras that are positioned throughout the casino, security personnel can monitor the entire floor.
In the past, organized crime figures provided much of the capital to open Nevada’s first casinos. Mafia money flowed into Reno and Las Vegas with little concern for gambling’s seamy image. But legitimate businessmen with deep pockets soon realized the potential for profit. Resort hotels and hotel chains bought out the mob and opened their own casinos. While the mob still has its presence in casinos, federal crackdowns and the possibility of losing a casino license at the slightest hint of mob involvement has kept it away from the majority of casinos.