A casino is an establishment for gambling. Besides providing a variety of gambling opportunities, casinos also offer food and drinks, entertainment and live sports. They may be standalone buildings or part of larger resorts. They may be located in cities with high populations or near tourist attractions. Casinos are regulated by law in some jurisdictions to control or limit gambling activities.
The precise origin of casino is unknown, but there is evidence of gambling activity in most societies throughout history. The oldest known game was probably dice, followed by card games and then, around the 1400s, the game that would become blackjack.
Modern casinos are large, complex facilities that usually include a hotel, restaurants, bars, gaming tables, slot machines and other electronic games. They often feature spectacular architecture and decor, with a focus on customer service. Most casinos also have art galleries and other non-gaming entertainment.
In the United States, the number of casinos is increasing rapidly, with about 40 states now having some form of legalized casino gambling. Many of these casinos are on American Indian reservations and therefore not subject to state anti-gambling laws.
The security in a casino is usually divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. Both departments work together to monitor the casino and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. In addition, most casinos have security cameras throughout the facility. This allows them to catch both cheaters and thieves, and provides an extra layer of protection for patrons.