What Is a Casino?

A casino is a place where people gamble and play games of chance. Some casinos also have stage shows and dramatic scenery to add to the atmosphere. Casinos often offer complimentary food and drinks to their customers, and some even give away airline tickets and hotel rooms to their biggest spenders.

Something about gambling seems to encourage both patrons and staff to cheat and steal, whether in collusion or on their own. As a result, most casinos invest a lot of time and money in security measures. Security cameras are usually the most visible aspect of a casino’s security system. In addition, casino employees are trained to spot the smallest signs of cheating and theft. Table managers and pit bosses, for example, are on the lookout for any patrons that seem to be “marking” or “palming” cards or dice.

While the concept of casinos is relatively new, the history of gambling is ancient. Evidence of early gambling has been found in carved knuckle bones and primitive protodice. However, the idea of a casino as a place where various forms of gambling could be enjoyed under one roof did not emerge until the 16th century.

Nevada is perhaps the best-known casino destination, and its Las Vegas Valley has more than 340 gambling establishments. But other states and cities are getting in on the act, including Atlantic City, New Jersey, Chicago, and Oklahoma City. Gambling in the United States is a huge industry that provides jobs and tax revenues for many local governments. In 2002, about 51 million people—a quarter of all Americans over 21—visited a casino.