A Casino is a building or room where people can play gambling games. It is also a place where people can eat and drink. Casinos may also host other types of entertainment, such as concerts and shows. Casinos are most commonly found in cities with many people and are often built near hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Gambling probably existed in some form before written history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones being found in archaeological sites [source]. But the modern casino, which offers patrons a variety of ways to gamble under one roof, didn’t develop until the 16th century during a gambling craze that swept Europe and later spread to America.

Today’s casinos are run by a combination of physical security and a specialized surveillance department, which operates the casino’s closed-circuit television system (known in the industry as the “eye in the sky”). Elaborate surveillance systems allow casino managers to watch every table change, window, doorway and other action, and to adjust the camera’s focus to zoom in on suspicious behavior.

Most casinos offer a large number of games. The most common are poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Other popular games include sic bo, which became a staple in American casinos in the 1990s, and fan-tan and pai gow, which are found in some Asian casinos.

Many casinos have a full range of services for their guests, including hotel rooms, spas, and restaurants. Some even have their own golf courses. In addition, they often host special events and offer free spectacular entertainment.