Casinos are elaborate entertainment destinations built to lure people into gambling and spending money. They may add a range of other features such as restaurants, shopping centers, stage shows and dramatic scenery to help attract customers, but casinos would not exist without the games that allow patrons to wager on their luck or skill in exchange for money. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno are among the most popular of these games.
Although gambling probably predates recorded history, the concept of a central facility with a variety of gambling activities under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, when an Italian fad for throwing dice and card games led to public parties called ridotti, where noblemen gambled and socialized.
As gambling became legalized in the United States, Las Vegas and Atlantic City grew into major casino destinations. Casinos have since spread across the country and around the world, with many featuring luxury hotel rooms, top-notch restaurants, and exciting live entertainment.
While casinos rely on gambling for their revenue, they also generate significant profits by charging customers for various amenities and services. A percentage of the money gamblers lose is raked in by casinos to cover expenses and make profit, which is known as the house edge. Casinos also take a cut of the action in poker and other games where players compete against each other.
Casinos are a prime target for scammers and cheats, especially given the amount of cash handled within their walls. Security measures include cameras, the use of betting chips with built-in microcircuitry to track wagers minute by minute, and electronic monitoring of games such as roulette wheels, where computers are used to discover any statistical deviations from expected results.