A casino is an establishment for gambling. This includes card games, dice, and other games of chance as well as sports betting and horse racing. Casinos are sometimes combined with hotels and restaurants and are often located in tourist destinations. They may also be operated by government-licensed organizations.
Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archaeological sites. However, the modern casino as an institution where patrons can find a variety of gambling opportunities under one roof didn’t develop until the 16th century in Europe, when a gambling craze swept the continent and Italian aristocrats would gather in private clubhouses called ridotti to play games that were technically illegal but seldom bothered by legal authorities [Source: Schwartz].
Security is a key aspect of any casino. Because of the large amount of money handled, both staff and patrons can be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; as such, casinos take numerous measures to prevent this. Many casinos use cameras to monitor their floors and patrons, while others employ more subtle techniques. For example, the routine ways in which dealers shuffle and deal cards and the expected reactions and motions of players at table games follow certain patterns that make it easier for security personnel to spot when something is out of the ordinary.
Another way that casinos try to keep their patrons happy is by giving them comps, or complimentary goods and services. Big bettors are given extravagant inducements like free rooms and meals, limo service and airline tickets, while lesser bettors receive reduced-fare transportation, food and drinks while gambling and free show tickets.