A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance to its patrons. It may offer other entertainment as well, such as restaurants, bars and stage shows. Most casinos are located in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno, but they also exist outside of these cities and in many countries around the world.
Gambling in some form or another has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archeological records of wooden blocks used in games of chance have been found in China dating back to 2300 BC, and dice were in use in Rome as early as 500 AD. Playing cards became popular in the 1400s, followed in the 1600s by what is now one of the most common games still played at many casinos-baccarat. In modern times, casinos have become a major source of entertainment and have diversified their offerings to include not only gambling but concerts, theatre and other forms of live entertainment as well.
Some casinos specialize in particular types of games, such as poker or blackjack. Others have a broad range of games and may even offer sports betting. In some cases, a casino may be combined with a hotel, restaurant, retail shop or cruise ship, offering a complete vacation experience. Casinos are also known for their glitz and glamour, and some feature elaborate stage shows and dramatic scenery.
Because of the large amounts of money handled within their confines, casinos must rely heavily on security measures to prevent cheating and stealing by both patrons and staff members. This may include video cameras, specialized employees called gaming mathematicians, and even wholly automated and enclosed games like roulette where the only interaction between players and the game is to press buttons.
While some casinos focus on a specific theme, others have a wider variety of entertainment options to attract guests and keep them gambling for longer periods of time. These may include concert performances by renowned artists, side-splitting comedy shows or even lavish theatrical productions that leave audiences spellbound. Besides these, there are restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine and bars where guests can unwind with a drink after a long session at the tables.
As its name suggests, Planet Hollywood focuses on bringing the glamour of Tinsel Town to Las Vegas. Its dazzling array of table and slot machines draws a young, party-going crowd. Dealers wear skimpy outfits and go-go dancers gyrate on the dance floor to add to the excitement. It also has a variety of dining options from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant to PF Chang’s. The casino’s memorabilia collection further enhances the ambiance.