A casino is an establishment for gambling. It is often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. A casino may also be a facility for live entertainment, such as concerts and shows.
A number of casinos are famous around the world, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which has been featured in many movies and is a popular destination for visitors to Sin City. Other famous casinos include the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, and the Casino Baden-Baden in Germany.
Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones being found in archaeological digs, but the modern casino as an all-in-one entertainment venue didn’t appear until the 16th century, when European aristocracy held private gaming parties in rooms known as ridotti. The games varied, but baccarat was a staple at the tables and blackjack, trente et quarante, and poker were played as well.
Modern casinos rely on technology to monitor their patrons and the games themselves. Video cameras keep watch over the table games, and electronic systems allow casinos to oversee how much money is being wagered minute by minute and detect any statistical deviations from expected results. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored and the payouts on slot machines are determined by random numbers generated by a computer chip inside each machine.
Some casino visitors are rewarded for their play with free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, or other prizes known as comps. This is especially common for people who spend a lot of time at one particular casino and who make large bets. Ask a casino employee or look for information at the casino’s information desk to find out how you can qualify for a comp.