A casino is a place where people can gamble. The best casinos offer a wide range of games and luxury accommodations. They also provide top-notch entertainment and food.
The term “casino” comes from the Italian word for “little house,” which probably refers to a place where wealthy people might meet to gamble, or perhaps it’s just a shorthand way of saying “house of gambling.” Gambling certainly predates recorded history; primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and carved six-sided dice have been found at ancient archaeological sites. However, the modern casino as a place where people can find many different ways to gamble under one roof didn’t really take off until the 16th century, when Europeans got hooked on the thrill of betting money against the house. [Source: Schwartz]
Some casinos have a reputation for being glamorous, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and many people dream of making a visit to those decadent temples of temptation. But the best casinos aren’t just about glitz; they also have strict rules to protect their patrons from cheating and theft. Several security measures are in place to prevent these things from happening, and the most important ones involve cameras.
Cameras that cover the entire casino floor can spot suspicious movements, and cameras in the ceiling give a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” view of the whole building. In addition to these technological measures, casino patrons are watched for their body language and reactions to other players and dealers. They’re also encouraged to use chips instead of cash, which makes them less likely to get too concerned about the amount of money they’re losing.