A casino is a gambling establishment offering an array of gaming options such as slot machines, table games and poker. Players gamble using cash or casino chips and the house takes a percentage of winnings, which is called the house edge. Most casinos feature a variety of entertainment activities in addition to the gambling, and many have restaurants and hotel rooms.
The precise origins of gambling are unknown, but it is believed that some form has been found in virtually every society. Evidence of early gambling can be found in China (2300 BC), Greece (600 AD), and Rome (800 AD). The modern casino has its roots in 1863 when the first one opened in Monte Carlo, Monaco. It became the model for the later Las Vegas casinos and is featured in several Hollywood movies including Ben Mezrich’s “Breaking Vegas”.
Most modern casino games are based on chance, with some involving an element of skill. The mathematically determined odds of the game give the casino an advantage over the player, which can be negated by skilled play. The casino also earns money from the games by charging a commission, called the rake, to the players who place bets.
Some casinos employ sophisticated technology to control the games and monitor player activity. For example, “chip tracking” allows casinos to monitor the exact amounts of money wagered minute by minute and discover quickly any abnormality; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to ensure they produce expected results.
