A casino is a place where people play games of chance or skill. Some casinos also offer live entertainment such as concerts and sports events. Most casinos are located in cities that are considered tourist destinations or have other attractions that draw visitors.
Casinos can be organized into three general categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines include slot machines and video poker. These machines are played by one patron at a time and do not require the intervention of casino employees. Table games include blackjack and craps, which involve one or more players competing against the house, not each other. These games are usually facilitated by croupiers. Random number games are based on the selection of numbers by a computerized random number generator or by other means.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. The earliest evidence of gambling dates from 2300 BC in China, with the first known game of chance appearing around 500 AD and then the invention of cards in the 1400s. In modern times, gambling has become a major source of revenue for many governments and is regulated at the national level in most countries.
Casinos can be a haven for cheaters, both colluding or acting independently. As a result, casinos often employ security measures such as cameras to prevent fraud and theft. These cameras are typically placed throughout the casino and can be activated by staff when needed.