A casino is a place where people come to gamble. Modern casinos are like indoor amusement parks for adults, complete with musical shows, lighted fountains and lavish hotels. However, they wouldn’t exist without games of chance, which bring in the billions of dollars in profits every year. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and other table and card games all contribute to the thrill of gambling, but many people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes at a casino.

Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones found at some of the earliest archaeological sites. But the casino as we know it didn’t develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Rich Italian nobles would hold private parties in their houses, known as ridotti, where they could enjoy a variety of gambling activities.

The name casino derives from the Italian word for house, and it has since evolved to refer to any establishment that offers a range of gambling activities. Today, casinos are built around the world and often include restaurants, retail shops, hotel rooms and even cruise ships. The casinos of Las Vegas are the most famous in the world, but there are also plenty in other cities and countries, including Russia.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for cities and states, and they have a lot to offer visitors. But there’s a dark side to the industry, with studies showing that casinos hurt local economies by drawing away spending from other entertainment and reducing property values.