A casino is a place where people can play games of chance and gamble. It usually has a variety of entertainment options like restaurants, bars and free drinks to attract customers. However, the main source of income for a casino is gambling. It is also a major tourist attraction in many cities like Monaco, Venice and Singapore.
Gambling has been around for millennia. Evidence of dice-rolling dates back to 2300 BC in China, while playing cards came into use in the 1400s and baccarat was invented in the 1600s. Even though there is an element of chance in casino games, it can be mastered with skill. This is why casinos spend so much time and money on security.
Casinos rely on technology to monitor and oversee their games. For example, in table games that involve betting, chips with built-in microcircuitry let casinos track the amounts wagered minute by minute and alert them if there is an anomaly. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any statistical deviations, and automated versions of games allow players to bet simply by pushing buttons.
While casino gambling has a shady reputation, legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in it until the mob entered the scene in Reno and Las Vegas. Mafia money helped build the infrastructure for casinos and attracted visitors from all over the world. These days, the industry is dominated by the Strip in Las Vegas and by Native American reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.