A casino, also known as a gambling house, is an establishment where various games of chance are played. While musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and luxurious hotels help draw in patrons, casinos would not exist without the billions of dollars in profits raked in every year by slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and other popular games. This article takes a look at the history of casino gambling, how to gamble safely and what to expect when you step inside these decadent temples of temptation.

The word casino comes from the Italian for a little house, and it’s true that these early gambling houses were usually located in residential neighborhoods. By the 1900s, however, Europeans had figured out how to build larger casino-type establishments that could handle large crowds. In many cases, these facilities were combined with restaurants and other entertainment venues.

Modern casinos are often modeled after Las Vegas, which is famous for its flashy style and large-scale gambling facilities. While the strip is a mecca for gaming enthusiasts, there are many other casino destinations in the world, including the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut, which holds the distinction of being America’s largest casino.

While every casino features a wide range of games, they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to make you lose money. Some games are more skill-based than others, but even the easiest casino games require patience and a tolerance for loss. While there are many tricks that can be used to beat the casino, most of them involve extensive research and preparation.