A casino is a building or room where gambling activities take place. The term is generally used for establishments that offer a variety of different types of gambling such as card games, dice games, and wheel games. A casino may also provide other entertainment such as stage shows and food services. Some casinos are integrated into resorts, hotels, or other tourist attractions.
Gambling probably predates written history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice found at ancient archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. However the modern casino, which combines a number of different ways to gamble under one roof, didn’t develop until the 16th century when a gambling craze swept Europe. At that time wealthy Italian aristocrats held private parties at places known as ridotti where gambling was the main activity.
The casino has many security measures in place to prevent cheating and other criminal activity. Elaborate surveillance systems allow security workers to monitor the casino floor and see what is happening at every table, window, and doorway. The cameras are adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons by security personnel in a separate room filled with banks of security monitors. Security cameras are also mounted in the ceiling over the games, allowing security to watch players from above.
Casinos reward their “good” customers by giving them free hotel rooms, dinners, show tickets, and even limo service or airline tickets. Ask a casino employee or someone at the information desk how to get your play rated for comps.