Casino is a large building where people play gambling games such as roulette, blackjack, poker and craps. The casinos also feature a variety of other entertainment and amenities such as restaurants, bars, musical shows and shopping areas. The gambling aspect of a casino is what brings in the customers and generates the billions of dollars in profit that casinos make each year.
Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice found at archaeological sites. The modern casino evolved in the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe and Italian aristocrats often held social gatherings at places called ridotti [Source: Schwartz]. These venues were small private clubs where members could gamble without fear of legal prosecution.
Modern casinos offer a wide range of games, from the familiar table games to arcade-style video slots and live dealer tables. They are typically designed to be attractive and appealing to a wide variety of customers, with many offering different betting limits so that everyone can participate. Casinos are usually open around the clock and provide free or discounted drinks to players.
Casinos have become popular destinations for vacations and business trips, with some becoming full-fledged resorts that feature hotels, spas and eye-popping casino floors. In the United States, there are over 1,000 legal casinos, with most located in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the 1980s and ’90s, casinos began appearing on American Indian reservations, which are not subject to state anti-gambling laws. Currently, 40 states have legal casinos.