A casino is a facility for gambling that is usually built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. It is sometimes also known for live entertainment, including stand-up comedy and concerts.

Almost all cultures in history have some form of gambling. The exact origin of gambling is not known, but it probably predates recorded history.

In modern times, casinos have branched out beyond gambling to include restaurants, bars, shopping malls and entertainment areas, and they are no longer the seedy institutions of the past. Today, casino resorts are echelons of safety and entertainment, and are an integral part of any holiday.

Security

Casinos are very well-protected and spend a great deal of money and time on security, not just to ensure their own safety but the safety of all guests and patrons as well. They employ elaborate surveillance systems, including cameras in the ceiling that watch every table and change window and door ways. They also use sophisticated tracking software that tracks the movements of all patrons and monitors their behavior on video feeds, which are then recorded and reviewed if a crime is detected.

Comps

Casinos reward players for good play with gifts or services, called “comps,” such as hotel rooms, dinners, tickets to shows and limo service. These comps are based on the amount of money a player spends and how long he or she stays at the casino.