A Casino is a gambling establishment where games of chance are the main source of revenue. Although casinos often add amenities like restaurants, musical shows, lighted fountains and elaborate themes to attract patrons, they would not exist without games of chance such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and others. The profits derived from these games provide the billions of dollars in revenues that casinos rake in each year.
While the precise origin of gambling is unknown, it is believed that in one form or another it has been present in nearly every society. In the modern world casinos are widespread, and can be found in a variety of locales, from upscale Las Vegas resorts to riverboats on American Indian reservations. In addition to attracting gamblers, they also serve as tourist attractions.
The games offered at a Casino vary by location, but they are all similar in structure. The casino floor is usually crowded with tables where players bet against the house. The games are controlled by a computerized system and payouts are determined randomly. Most of the time, there are no windows or clocks in a Casino, so that gamblers can spend long hours and not realize how much time has passed.
The large amounts of money handled in a Casino make it easy for patrons and staff to cheat and steal, in collusion or independently. To combat this, most casinos have numerous security measures in place. These include cameras throughout the facility, with specialized departments monitoring them from a separate room.