A casino is a place where games of chance are played and money is exchanged for prizes. Although musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers add to the appeal of casinos, their primary function is to provide gambling activities, which generate billions in profits for their owners each year. The term is often used to refer to a place that is specifically equipped for these activities, but many places that house gaming tables and slot machines are also considered casinos. This article looks at the history of casinos, how they make their money, and some of the popular games that are found in them.
Casinos are typically divided into two different security departments. One is a physical security force that patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or reports of possible criminal activity. The other is a specialized department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as the “eye in the sky.” Casinos with this type of system can watch every table, window and doorway at once, so it is easier for security workers to spot suspicious patrons.
The word casino derives from the Latin cazino, meaning “little house.” Gambling in its various forms has been part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of dice games dates back to 2300 BC, and card games like blackjack and roulette have been around for much longer. Casinos evolved from these early games, and modern casinos offer a wide variety of games to attract gamblers of all types.
