Casinos offer a variety of games, from poker to roulette. Some casinos even have a video poker room. The games are played with chips that customers buy.

There are many advantages to gambling in a casino. Aside from the obvious freebies, they also offer reduced-fare transportation to the big bettors. Guests can enjoy a meal or free drinks.

There are even casino parties. These parties are often organized for special occasions, such as a birthday or corporate event. They involve professional game tables and a raffle drawing.

Various studies have found that gambling is a negative influence on communities. In fact, the cost of treating problem gamblers far outweighs any economic benefit casinos may have.

Most casinos have security measures in place. The most sophisticated ones employ cameras in the ceiling and on each table. The video feeds can be reviewed later, giving the casino staff the opportunity to catch suspicious patrons in the act.

Some casinos go a step further by using “chip tracking” technology. This allows the casino to monitor every wager made, minute by minute.

There are a number of other games, such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat. Each game offers a mathematically determined chance of winning. But the true odds are always in the casino’s favor.

The casino’s “house” or “edge” is the difference between the expected odds and what the casino actually pays out. It is usually expressed as a percentage. Typically, the house wins when the other half of the equation fails.