Whether you like to play games that require skill or just enjoy the glitz of a casino, there is no doubt that gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. The earliest evidence of gambling is wooden blocks used in games of chance that date back to 2300 BC China, while dice appeared around 500 AD and playing cards made their debut in the early 1600s.
While many movies and television shows may portray a glamorous Las Vegas that is all about partying, opulence, and gamblers winning money at slots and tables, the truth is that casinos are not always such a great place to spend time or money. Criminal activity, including murder and suicide, does happen at casinos but it is usually a small percentage of the total number of visitors. Large, professional casinos work hard to promote a safe environment that provides a fun way for people to spend their money while they eat, watch live entertainment (or closed-circuit broadcasts) and of course gamble.
Just like any other business, casinos are in the business of making a profit and they do that by encouraging gamblers to spend their money as long as possible and to take more risks. That’s why they have all sorts of security measures in place to protect their guests. They have guards, monitor parking lots, hire private security firms, and use sophisticated surveillance systems to provide a high-tech eye-in-the-sky.