Casino is a gambling establishment that offers the opportunity to win cash by playing games of chance. The games are usually conducted by casino employees called croupiers or dealers. Some casinos also offer a variety of entertainment options, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports events. Casinos are often located near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. In some countries, casinos are operated by government-licensed entities.
The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is believed to have existed in some form throughout much of history. It was commonly practised in Ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Egypt, and China. The modern casino is a result of the growth of gambling in the 19th century.
There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machine games, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one player at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and poker, involve a number of players competing against the house (the casino), rather than each other. Random number games, such as roulette and video poker, use a computer to select random numbers.
Most casinos have a security department that consists of both a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The security forces patrol the casino and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The surveillance department monitors the casino using closed circuit television and other monitoring equipment.