Casino is a facility that offers different types of gambling activities. Some casinos are combined with hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and stage shows. Regardless of the variety of entertainment and services offered by a particular casino, gambling remains its core activity. While a casino might have musical shows, lighted fountains, dramatic scenery and even themed hotels to lure guests in, it would not exist without games of chance such as blackjack, craps, roulette, keno and baccarat. These games are the source of billions in profits raked in by casinos every year.
While gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archeological sites, the modern casino as an all-in-one entertainment venue did not emerge until the 16th century when a gambling craze swept Europe. Italian aristocrats would hold private parties at places called ridotti to indulge in their favorite pastime while defying the Inquisition.
In the United States, casinos are largely legal and offer a wide range of gambling options. The majority of casino gamblers choose to play slot machines and video poker. Other popular games include poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. Whether or not gambling is legal in a given state, casinos must adhere to certain security standards. Most casinos have cameras and other technological measures in place to keep a close eye on patrons and prevent fraud.
Many casinos also focus on customer service by offering perks to their best patrons. These free items are called comps and they come in the form of meals, hotel rooms, drinks and even show tickets. Some casinos also use player cards that are swiped before each game to tally up points the patron can redeem for coupons. This helps the casino build a database on patron behavior and spending habits.