Casino is a place where people gamble and play games of chance. It is a huge industry and even your grandmother might enjoy taking weekend bus trips to the nearest casino with her friends. Casino gambling is a global phenomenon and it is legalized in many countries around the world. The United States leads the way with over a thousand casinos. Other popular gambling destinations include Atlantic City, New Jersey and Chicago. Casinos can also be found in exotic locales like Venice and Monaco, and they often offer top-notch entertainment and accommodations.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. It first showed up in 2300 BC China and then again in ancient Rome. Dice were in use by 500 AD and playing cards followed shortly after. In modern-day casinos, the house edge and variance of each game are carefully calculated and monitored by mathematicians and computer programmers. These experts are called gaming mathematicians and gaming analysts.
Due to the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most casinos have a security department that oversees the entire operation. In addition, the vast majority of casinos use video cameras to monitor the premises and detect any suspicious activity. These cameras are able to provide a clear view of all the tables and machines, which helps keep the house in control.