A Casino is a gambling establishment where people can gamble, play games of chance and win money. While casinos use a variety of techniques to attract customers, such as musical shows, lighted fountains and luxurious hotels, the main source of income is from the games themselves. Slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps account for most of the billions of dollars that casinos rake in each year.
Gambling likely predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archeological sites. But the modern casino evolved in the 16th century during a gambling craze in Europe. Italian aristocrats often held private parties at their homes known as ridotti, where they could indulge in their passion for gaming. These parties became increasingly elaborate and eventually led to the development of large public casinos.
Casinos are usually built in tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. But they have also sprouted up in other locales, particularly American Indian reservations that are not subject to state antigambling laws.
Because of the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino, security is a major concern. Patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently, and most casinos spend a great deal of time, energy and money on security measures.
Guests at a casino are often given free or reduced-fare transportation, elegant living quarters and entertainment, and even food and drink while they gamble. But some studies have shown that the net value of a casino to its local economy is negative because it takes business away from other forms of entertainment, and because the cost of treating gambling addictions offsets any economic gains.