The word casino may be used to describe establishments that offer gambling as a primary activity. While the modern casino often adds extra amenities like restaurants, free drinks and stage shows, it is still a place where the main activity is gambling. In the past, many less extravagant places that housed gambling activities have been called casinos as well.

The idea of a casino as a place to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof first developed in the 16th century. Although gambling has almost certainly been around for far longer than that, it was not widely legalized until then. A craze for gambling led to the rise of private clubhouses for rich people, known as ridotti, which served as a form of socialization and entertainment that did not require the approval of legal authorities [Source: Poley].

Modern casinos are very sophisticated operations, and security is a top priority. They have a physical security force that patrols the premises, and a specialized surveillance department that oversees the video cameras (often called the “eye-in-the-sky”) that are in constant use. These departments work very closely together to detect any suspicious or criminal behavior.

There is also a lot of mathematical research and analysis that goes on behind the scenes at the most prestigious casinos. This is done by mathematicians and computer programmers, who are sometimes referred to as gaming mathematicians or analysts. These individuals look at the odds for all the various games and make adjustments to help the casino minimize its exposure to risk while maximizing its potential for profit.