Whether you love to spin the roulette wheel, pull out a deck of cards or throw dice with friends, a casino is the place to satisfy your gambling itch. These large buildings have everything you need to enjoy a night of fun, from food and drinks to stage shows and dramatic scenery. There are also plenty of non-gambling activities to keep you busy, from shopping and museums to spas and golf courses.
The word “casino” dates back to the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe and Italian aristocrats would hold private parties in venues known as ridotti [source: Schwartz]. These clubs were not technically legal, but the aristocracy was usually too rich to be bothered by the police.
Today, casinos are equipped with high-tech surveillance equipment and routinely use computers to oversee games that have a degree of skill involved. Chips with built-in microcircuitry are used to track betting amounts minute-by-minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly for any statistical deviation from their expected values.
You can even use your play at the tables or slot machines to earn comps, free goods and services offered by a casino to reward loyal customers. Depending on how much you spend at the tables or slots, you may be eligible for free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows or even airline flights. Talk to a casino employee or someone at the information desk for more details.