A casino is a place where you can play a wide variety of games of chance. You can find slot machines, table games and poker rooms as well as restaurants and live entertainment.
Gambling has existed in one form or another since the beginning of recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at many archaeological sites. The modern casino as we know it, however, did not emerge until the 16th century, when a gambling craze in Italy caused local aristocrats to gather in private clubs known as ridotti [Source: Schwartz]. These clubs were legal and often luxurious, and they provided an opportunity for wealthy patrons to enjoy their favorite pastime in relative peace.
Today, casinos are more than just places to gamble; they’re major tourist attractions in their own right. Las Vegas, Monaco, the Casino de Lisboa in Lisbon and the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden are just a few of the most famous casinos in the world. They’re filled with opulent furniture, overflowing bars and a wide array of gaming options.
Despite their glamorous appearances, casinos are not without controversy. Critics argue that they divert people from other forms of entertainment; cause problems for compulsive gamblers and decrease property values in the surrounding neighborhoods. And they also claim that the large amounts of money being handled within a casino can create an atmosphere of dishonesty and corruption, as both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal. To counter these issues, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security measures.
