A casino is a gambling establishment, typically in a resort, that offers patrons a variety of gambling games. Patrons gamble by playing games of chance, in some cases with an element of skill, and are charged a fee known as a rake or house edge for doing so. In addition to gaming tables, most casinos have restaurants, bars, non-gambling game rooms, hotels and other facilities.
In modern casinos, elaborate surveillance systems provide a high-tech eye-in-the-sky that can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons. The cameras can also record and store video, which helps security personnel spot improprieties. Other security measures include the use of bodyguards and a strict dress code.
Gambling has been a popular pastime throughout history. It is believed that the first gambling establishment was established in ancient Mesopotamia, and historians know of similar activities in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Elizabethan England. Today, it is estimated that there are over 3,000 legal casinos and gaming houses worldwide.
The popularity of casino gambling has prompted some states to amend their anti-gambling laws and allow new casinos. During the 1980s, Atlantic City, New Jersey, began to boom and numerous Native American Indian reservations opened their own casinos. Casinos are now also found in Iowa, where they are legal on riverboats. Because they offer a virtual guarantee of profit to the owners, casinos are also able to reward big bettors with extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment and transportation.