Casino (also known as a gaming hall, gambling den, or simply a casino) is an establishment offering various forms of legalized gambling. Most casinos are owned and operated by private individuals, rather than public corporations, and are usually governed by law or the local gambling authority. A casino is also a place where people can enjoy entertainment, such as shows or other forms of live entertainment. Casinos often serve food and drinks, and many have bars.
Gambling in its various forms has been a part of human culture for millennia, with evidence of dice games dating back to 2300 BC in China. Cards appeared around 500 AD, followed by baccarat in the 1400s and then, more rapidly than expected for a game with such complex rules, blackjack in the 1600s.
Modern casinos are typically divided into a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department, which operates the casino’s closed circuit television system (CCTV). Both departments work together to provide safety for gamblers as well as to protect the property of the casino.
Many casinos have become famous landmarks, for example Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, whose Roman-themed architecture is instantly recognizable. The casino’s fame is further boosted by the long list of celebrities who have entertained here, including Frank Sinatra, Liberace, and Dolly Parton. The glitzy city of Macao has several iconic casinos, including the Hotel Lisboa which was designed to look like a birdcage and is crowned by one of the planet’s largest LED domes. In contrast, the refined spa town of Baden-Baden is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful casinos, and attracts visitors who seek high-end gambling and a refined atmosphere.