A casino is a gambling establishment. It is often associated with glitz and glamour, but it can also be seedy and dingy. It is often a place where people can gamble in many different ways, from dice and cards to sports betting and even horse racing. In most of the world, casinos are regulated by government agencies. The first casinos began to appear in Europe during the late 19th century. Typically, casinos are located in cities or resorts and serve as entertainment destinations for tourists. In some cases, they are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other attractions.
The term casino most likely originated in the 16th century, when a gaming craze swept through Europe and Italian nobles would hold parties at their homes called ridotti [source: Poley]. The term then evolved into what it is today: a collection of games of chance under one roof.
Because of the large amounts of money handled in casinos, security is a major concern. Both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; thus the typical casino features various security measures. These include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department.
Employees are usually trained to spot suspicious behavior, and they are expected to be discreet. However, they do have a good idea of which machines are hot and which ones are cold, and they are generally willing to share that information for a decent tip.