A Casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance. A casino is also a place where people can find entertainment, including shows and other events. Casinos are very popular and attract many people from all over the world. This is because of the great prizes that they offer. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you visit a casino.

Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice being found in the most ancient archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. But casinos as places where patrons could find multiple types of gaming under one roof did not appear until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Aristocrats gathered in private clubs known as ridotti to gamble and socialize. These clubs were not technically legal, but the wealthy patrons were seldom bothered by the law enforcement authorities.

As the casinos developed during the 1950s, they began to attract organized crime gangsters who had plenty of cash from their drug dealing, extortion and other rackets. The mob became involved in the operations, took sole or partial ownership of the properties and even rigged some games in order to maintain their own gambling profits. Eventually, real estate investors and hotel chains spotted the potential profits and bought out the Mafia interests.

Modern casinos are heavily regulated and employ a variety of security measures. Video cameras monitor all activity within the premises. In addition, technology is increasingly being used to supervise the games themselves. For example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry interact with electronic systems to allow casinos to monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviations from expected results.