A casino (from Latin: casin) or gambling house is a place where people can gamble. These establishments are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. In modern times, casinos have become more sophisticated and offer a variety of entertainment options. Many also feature a wide selection of table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. Some even offer sports betting. In addition, some casinos have special features, such as catwalks in the ceiling above the casino floor that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on activities at the tables and slot machines.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, with evidence dating back as far as 2300 BC in China, when wooden blocks were discovered that were used to play games of chance. Later, dice and playing cards came to the fore. In modern times, the gambling industry has grown into a massive global business. Casinos are a major part of this industry, with millions of people visiting them every year to try their luck at winning big. But before you walk into your next casino, read up on these ten temples of temptation to learn more about what it means to be a gambler.
