A casino is a place where people can gamble. It may add music, lighted fountains and lavish hotels to attract customers, but it would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, craps and other games generate the billions of dollars in profits that keep casinos in business.
While the precise origin of gambling is unknown, it is generally believed to predate recorded history. The first casinos probably developed in the 16th century, during a gambling craze that saw European aristocrats congregating to play various games of chance at private clubs called ridotti.
Casinos are a major tourist attraction and a huge source of income for many cities and states. However, some critics argue that they are not good for local economies, because they shift spending away from other forms of entertainment and cause gambling addiction, which in turn reduces productivity.
There are three general types of casino games: gaming machines, table games and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one person at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as roulette and poker, are played against the house, rather than other patrons. Random number games are based on the selection of numbers by a computer or other electronic device.
Casino security begins on the floor, where casino employees keep a close eye on the patrons and the games to make sure everything is as it should be. In addition to spotting blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards and dice, casino employees also watch for betting patterns that could indicate collusion between patrons.