Whether you’re in the mood for gambling, shopping or simply taking in a show, there is no shortage of things to do at Casino. With a variety of games to choose from, it’s no wonder that this glamorous entertainment hub is popular with both locals and visitors alike.

The modern casino evolved out of the European gaming house, which dates back to the 16th century when a craze for dice-based gambling spread from France to the rest of Europe. Although the modern gambling establishment may be more lavish than its predecessors – with free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery – it is still essentially a place to gamble and play games of chance.

Casinos earn money by charging a commission, known as a rake, to those who play games of chance that require no skill (like blackjack and video poker). The amount of this “house edge” can vary wildly depending on the rules of each game, so casinos hire mathematicians and computer programmers to design games that give them an optimal advantage over players.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. As such, casinos spend a great deal of time, effort and money on security measures. These often include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors closed circuit television. These departments also work closely together to respond to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.