When most people think of casino, they picture a large building with a variety of games of chance, a gambling floor and a host of entertainment options. While casinos do feature a lot of extras to draw in customers, like stage shows, shopping centers, lighted fountains and lavish hotels, they would not exist without the billions of dollars that are made through games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more make casinos what they are today.
Casinos come in all shapes and sizes, from the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden to the sprawling, mega-resorts that cling to the Las Vegas Strip. While some travelers are specifically looking for a casino experience, others stumble upon these luxurious gambling halls while traveling around the world and find themselves enjoying an evening of self-indulgence.
While gaming likely predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz], the casino as a place to gamble was not invented until the 16th century during the heyday of European gambling crazes. Italian aristocrats would gather in private clubs called ridotti to enjoy a wide range of betting activities. These places were not technically casinos, but rather a form of illegal private gambling that was tolerated by the Italian Inquisition.
Due to the high amounts of money that are handled within a casino, it is not uncommon for patrons and staff to cheat or steal. This is why casinos spend a significant amount of time and money on security.