Casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. While gambling in some form may predate recorded history (primitive proto-dice and carved six-sided dice have been found in archaeological digs), the casino as a venue for a wide variety of gambling activities did not become popular until the 16th century. Prior to this time, gambling was often conducted in private clubs for the rich, known as ridotti, and while these clubs were technically illegal, they were not often bothered by legal authorities.

Modern casinos can be luxurious affairs, complete with stage shows, free drinks, restaurants and hotel rooms. But the core of any casino is the gambling, and the billions in profits that casinos generate each year are driven by the popularity of games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat and slot machines.

Gambling is a huge industry, and if you’re planning to visit one, it’s good to know what to expect. This article will cover what a casino is, how it got that way, the most popular games and their histories, the different types of gambling equipment, how casinos stay safe and the dark side of the business.