A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos feature live entertainment as well. A casino may also be referred to as a gaming house, gambling den, or kasino. Some of the world’s most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas, Monaco, and Lisbon.
Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive proto-dice and carved knuckle bones found in archaeological sites. However, the casino as a place where people could find a variety of different ways to gamble under one roof did not emerge until the 16th century. This was when a gambling craze swept Europe and Italian aristocrats would hold private parties at places known as ridotti.
Modern casinos use a variety of techniques to prevent cheating and theft by patrons and staff members. Security cameras are a standard part of most casinos’ facilities, and some even have catwalks over the floor that allow surveillance personnel to look down on the games through one-way glass. Many casinos also employ bright and sometimes gaudy flooring and wall coverings, which are designed to stimulate and cheer the players. Red, in particular, is a popular color used because it is believed to make people lose track of time.
Some studies suggest that casinos do not add a great deal to the economy of the cities or towns where they are situated. These critics argue that the money spent by local residents to travel to casinos detracts from other forms of locally available recreation; that compulsive gambling harms family relationships and increases health care costs; and that the loss of productivity associated with casinos erodes community wealth.