While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers help draw the crowds, casinos would not exist (and rake in billions in profits for their owners) without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other games of chance make casinos what they are.
Something about gambling seems to encourage people to cheat, steal and scam their way into a jackpot. As a result, casino employees spend a great deal of time and money on security measures. These range from simple rules of conduct to elaborate surveillance systems that are designed to detect even a slight deviation in the expected outcome of a game.
Casinos are a popular tourist destination and can be found around the world. They often combine a hotel, restaurant, retail shops, and live entertainment venues. Some are even designed with aesthetic natural buildings or historic structures. Some of the most famous casinos are located in exotic places, such as Venice, Monaco, or Singapore.
The word casino derives from the Latin causa, meaning “fate”. Gambling has been part of human culture for millennia. There is archaeological evidence of dice being used in 2300 BC China, and cards showing up in Europe in the 1400s. Casinos are the most recognizable form of gambling establishment in modern times, but they can also be found in cruise ships, racetracks, horse racing facilities and other venues. Some casinos specialize in specific types of gaming. Others, such as Las Vegas’s Venetian, offer a wide array of casino table games and slots along with a wide variety of other gambling options.