A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various forms of gambling, such as slot machines and table games like poker and roulette. Some casinos also offer entertainment shows. To play in a casino, players must be of legal age and follow the rules and regulations of the establishment.
The concept of casinos originated in Europe in the sixteenth century. Though gambling probably existed in primitive forms before that time, the term casino is first recorded in reference to an Italian private clubhouse for social gambling, called a Ridotto [Source: Poley]. These places were popular as a way for rich people to indulge in a public vice and avoid the attention of religious authorities.
Casinos make most of their profits by attracting and keeping high rollers. To do this, they offer them perks such as free room and meal vouchers and other luxury amenities. These rewards are referred to as comps. They are a key part of the marketing strategy for many modern casinos, which seek to provide a holistic experience for their patrons.
In addition to comps, casinos also use technology to monitor their patrons. For example, in some casinos, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casino to track the exact amount wagered minute by minute. Similarly, some roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect any statistical deviations. In addition, many casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on activities at tables and slots.