A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons gamble in exchange for cash or chips. Casino games often involve a combination of strategy, decision making and luck, with some having a clear skill element. Table games include card games like poker and blackjack, dice games like craps, and wheel games such as roulette. These games are typically conducted by live dealers. Many casinos also offer electronic gaming machines.
Because of the high amount of money involved, casinos must employ security measures to prevent cheating and theft by both patrons and employees. Security cameras are located throughout the casino floor, and some tables even have special chips with built-in microcircuitry that interacts with specialized systems to enable casinos to monitor the exact amounts wagered minute by minute, and identify any statistical deviations from expected outcomes. Roulette wheels are routinely monitored for anomalies, and the house advantage is calculated using complex mathematical algorithms to detect any biases.
In addition, most casino patrons must submit identification upon entering the facility. This is because casinos are required to verify the identity of all participants in order to comply with federal and state laws governing gambling. Additionally, some states prohibit minors from entering a casino or placing wagers, while others limit the type of betting that can be made at a casino.
Another way in which casinos protect themselves against fraudsters is by requiring all players to use the same payment methods when depositing and withdrawing. This way, a casino can easily trace any fraudulent activities and stop them in their tracks.