A casino, or gaming establishment, is a special place where people can engage in gambling entertainment. These casinos offer a variety of gambling games, and many also have restaurants and bars. They are located all over the world.
Gambling in its various forms has been a part of human culture for millennia. The first records of playing games date back to 2300 BC in China, while dice showed up around 500 AD and card games followed later on. Modern casinos have evolved from these early games of chance into the complex gambling establishments that they are today.
Casinos have three general categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one person at a time and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and baccarat, are run by casino employees called croupiers. Random number games, such as roulette and keno, are based on the selection of random numbers by a computerized system or other device.
Casinos use a wide range of technology to ensure fair play and protect their customers. These technologies include video cameras and computer systems that supervise games in progress. They also monitor game results and statistics, and use electronic monitoring systems to oversee betting chips with built-in microcircuitry to reveal minute-by-minute wager amounts, and to detect any statistical deviations from expected outcomes. Some casinos employ mathematical mathematicians to help with this work.