Casino, or simply gambling, is a popular activity that involves betting on various games of chance. These games of chance may include keno, bingo, craps, roulette, poker and blackjack. In modern casinos, computerized systems are used to monitor the game and determine whether a player has won or lost. A winning player is paid out according to the game rules, and a losing one pays a fee to the house.
A large amount of money is handled within the confines of a casino, and both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most casinos have extensive security measures in place. These usually consist of a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department, which operates a closed-circuit television system (CCTV).
Although a casino is not necessarily a resort, many have facilities for entertainment beyond gaming. For example, the Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino resort in Ontario, Canada, includes a spa, golf course, and numerous restaurants. This resort is the largest in Canada and a favourite destination of American visitors. It offers a number of advantages to American visitors, such as no docking of a portion of their winnings for taxes and lower age restrictions (usually 19 in Canada as opposed to 21 in the United States).
Among casino card games, baccarat is a major fixture in European continental casinos favored by British gamblers, while chemin de fer and trente et quarante are standard fare in American casinos. Some casinos offer more traditional Far Eastern games, including sic bo (which has spread to several European and American casinos), fan-tan and pai gow.