A casino, also known as a gaming establishment or gambling house, is a place where people can play a variety of games of chance for money. Casinos offer a wide range of entertainment options such as blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and poker. Many casinos also have shows and other gambling-related activities. A casino is usually located in a commercial building or on the grounds of a hotel.

Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive proto-dice and carved knuckle bones found in archaeological sites. But the idea of a casino as a place for people to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Italian aristocrats would often gather in private gambling clubs called ridotti to enjoy their favorite games of chance, even though they were technically illegal [Source: Schwartz].

Modern casinos use a lot of technology in addition to their physical security forces. Casinos now routinely monitor their machines with computers that can detect statistical deviations from expected results. They also employ sophisticated video surveillance systems such as the “eye in the sky” that allows a single security worker to watch every table, window and doorway simultaneously.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. For this reason, most casinos spend a lot of time and money on security.