A Casino is a special entertainment place, where people can enjoy different gambling-related entertainment, have drinks and food and have the opportunity to win real money. These establishments exist in many countries around the world and are legalized by a lot of states.
Gambling in some form probably predates recorded history, with primitive proto-dice and carved six-sided dice being found in ancient archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. The casino as a specific type of place that offered multiple gambling activities under one roof did not appear until the 16th century. At that time a gambling craze swept Europe and Italian aristocrats would hold private parties at locations called ridotti, which were actually small private clubs where gambling was the primary activity.
In modern times, casinos add a host of other amenities to draw patrons and generate revenue, including restaurants, free beverages, stage shows and dramatic scenery. Some of the larger ones are opulent, resembling miniature cities complete with towers, replicas of famous landmarks and even water slides. Casinos earn their income by taking a percentage of each bet placed, which is known as the house edge.
Something about the nature of casinos (maybe it’s that they handle large amounts of money) encourages both patrons and staff to try to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is a major reason why casinos spend a lot of time, effort and money on security measures. They have everything from cameras to catwalks, through which surveillance personnel can look down on games in progress without being seen. Casinos also have rules and regulations that govern the behavior of their patrons, aimed at preventing cheating.