Gambling in its many forms has been a part of human civilization for millennia. Archeologists have found wooden blocks used for gambling in China as early as 2300 BC; dice showed up in Rome around 500 AD; and card games appeared in the 1600s, including one still played today, baccarat. Casinos, which specialize in games of chance and are often paired with hotels and resorts, offer customers an array of entertainment, dining and gaming options.
Most casinos are designed to be secure environments where patrons are free from outside interference. They feature cameras that monitor all areas of the building, and staff that patrol to ensure security. They also employ mathematicians to analyze the results of past play in order to predict the odds of future wins, or losses. These mathematicians are known as gaming mathematicians or casino game analysts.
While casino gambling is legal in most states, some states have enacted specific laws restricting the type of games offered and the types of players allowed to participate. These restrictions are intended to reduce the potential for organized crime and other illegal activities associated with gambling. These state laws are commonly referred to as gaming control acts.