A casino, or gaming house, is a public place where a variety of games of chance can be played. Traditionally, casino gambling has included table games like blackjack and poker, as well as slot machines and other electronic games. Some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing betting. A casino is typically located near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and/or other tourist attractions.
While the precise origin of gambling is unclear, it is believed that in some form it has been part of human culture throughout history. Some examples of ancient protodice and carved knuckle bones have been found, and the first modern casinos began to appear in the 16th century during a gambling craze among European aristocrats. [1]
The defining feature of a casino is that it offers a number of games of chance and, often, skill. The casino makes money by charging a percentage of each bet placed on its games, known as the vig or rake. In addition, the house has a built in mathematical advantage on each game, known as the house edge.
Casinos use technology extensively to monitor their patrons and the integrity of their games. Cameras monitor all activity on the casino floor and can be aimed at specific tables or windows to spot suspicious behavior such as cheating or collusion. In addition to cameras, most casinos have computerized systems that track and monitor each bet made, as well as the wheel spins on roulette and dice rolls on baccarat and chemin de fer. Some casinos even have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security workers to look down, through one-way glass, on the activities of players at the various tables and slot machines.