A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling hall, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are owned by governments, while others are private enterprises. Those that are operated by private enterprise include those in the form of clubs, fraternal organizations or private corporations. Some casinos are built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and other tourist attractions.
Gambling has been a part of human civilization for millennia. The first known evidence dates back to 2300 BC in China. Dice were used around 500 AD, and card games appeared soon after, including baccarat (a staple in the United Kingdom), trente-et quarante in France, blackjack in America and, later, pai gow poker. In modern casinos, the odds of winning or losing a particular game are mathematically determined. These odds are known as the house edge and variance. Casinos must know these odds in order to maximize their profits. This is done by hiring mathematicians who specialize in gaming analysis.
Modern casinos have become increasingly large and lavish. This is partly to accommodate more customers and make the experience more pleasurable. The top casinos in the world feature luxurious suites, upscale restaurants and other amenities to attract visitors. Some of them are also famous for their star-studded entertainment. Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, for example, is renowned for its Roman-inspired architecture and has seen Frank Sinatra, Liberace and other stars perform there.