A casino is a place where gamblers can play a variety of games of chance. A casino adds to the gambling experience by providing a host of luxuries that attract players and encourage them to spend more money, including restaurants, free drinks and stage shows. Casinos are usually heavily guarded because of the large amounts of money handled within them. Patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Casino security measures include cameras, which are frequently placed throughout the building.
Despite the fact that gambling likely predates recorded history (primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice have been found in archaeological digs), the concept of a casino as a place for people to find many different ways to gamble under one roof did not develop until the 16th century. A gambling craze swept Europe at that time, and wealthy Italian nobles often held private parties in special places called ridotti to indulge their passion for gaming.
In the United States, the Las Vegas Valley contains the largest concentration of casinos. However, there are also casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Chicago. In addition, some Native American tribes operate casinos.
Regardless of where you are located, there is probably a casino near you. The popularity of casino gaming is increasing worldwide and there are now more than forty states where casino gambling is legal. However, there are some countries that still do not have legalized casinos.