A casino is a gambling establishment, where patrons can gamble by playing games of chance, or in some cases, skill. Various games are offered, including craps, roulette, blackjack, video poker and slot machines. In addition to gambling, casinos have restaurants, bars and live entertainment. Some even have top-notch hotels and spas.
Gambling has been around for centuries in many cultures and societies. It is widely believed that casinos evolved from the Italian game of baccarat, which was played by members of high society in the 17th century. From there, the concept spread to France and England.
In the United States, casinos began to grow in popularity in the 1950s, when mob money flowed into Reno and Las Vegas. Legitimate businessmen were reluctant to get involved in casinos, which had a seamy image, but organized crime figures had plenty of cash from their drug dealing and extortion rackets. They invested in casinos, became sole or partial owners of some and influenced the outcome of games through intimidation or direct involvement with the players.
Like any other business, a casino has to make a profit in order to stay in business. Therefore, it is necessary to entice people to play by offering them extravagant inducements. These may include free spectacular entertainment, limo service and airline tickets for big bettors. Even lesser bettors are often given free hotel rooms, food and drinks. This is known as comping.