A casino, also spelled ca
Gambling, in some form or another, has been a part of human civilization for millennia. It is believed that the first dice games appeared in China around 2300 BC, followed by card games in the 1400s and eventually, in modern times, by table games like baccarat. Most casino games give a predictable long-term advantage to the house or “house edge”, but some (such as blackjack) have a skill element that can eliminate this advantage for players who possess sufficient skills.
Some casino games are operated by live dealers, while others (like roulette) involve random number generators. Most casinos have a large selection of both types. Table games, which require a dealer, usually have a lower house edge than slot machines or video poker.
Modern casinos are heavily regulated and use a variety of security measures to protect both their guests and their assets. In addition to physical security personnel, most casinos employ specialized surveillance departments to monitor their premises and keep an eye on both players and game outcomes. For example, some casinos use special betting chips with built-in microcircuitry to track wagers minute by minute, while others have electronic monitoring systems that can spot any deviation from expected results.