Gambling in one form or another almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice (cut knuckle bones) and even carved six-sided dice being found at the oldest archaeological sites. But the casino as a place where people could find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof didn’t emerge until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. During this time, Italian aristocrats would hold private parties at clubs called ridotti, where they could enjoy their favorite pastime without being bothered by legal authorities.

Today’s casinos are more like indoor amusement parks for adults than gambling halls, with music shows, lighted fountains and lavish hotels generating billions in profits each year. But they wouldn’t exist without the games of chance that draw visitors in: slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps and keno are all among the most popular.

With large sums of money in play, patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is why casinos invest so much in security measures. In addition to physical security forces that patrol the premises, modern casinos have specialized departments that monitor closed-circuit television and other surveillance systems.

While many Americans still consider Nevada the casino capital of the United States, the game has spread to other areas as well. During the 1980s and 1990s, casinos began appearing in American Indian reservations, which are not subject to state anti-gambling laws. They also began popping up on cruise ships and in a few states that had previously banned gambling.