Casino is the term for a place where people gamble. Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones found in archaeological sites, but the modern casino as an entertainment venue and money-maker was established in the 16th century during a gambling craze in Europe. Casinos also are found on American Indian reservations, which can circumvent state antigambling laws.

Gambling is a risky business, so casinos take precautions to protect their profits and patrons. Security begins with employees on the floor, who keep an eye on everyone and anything that happens. Dealers watch for blatant cheating by patrons, and table managers and pit bosses have a broader view to spot suspicious betting patterns. In addition to physical security, most casinos employ a specialized department to monitor video cameras and other electronic surveillance systems.

Besides the physical and electronic surveillance, casinos rely on computer-based analysis of their games. A casino needs to know the expected return on each game and how much to keep in cash reserves for bad streaks. Gaming mathematicians and software developers work with casinos to create these algorithms and ensure they are correct.

In addition to gambling, a modern casino usually offers restaurants and shows. The top online casinos will make customer service a priority, with 24/7 live chat and phone support that is easy to find on their website. They will also offer a variety of banking options. They will use the best software and feature a large selection of casino games.