A casino is a gambling establishment where gamblers risk money on various games of chance. Some casinos specialize in certain games, such as poker, while others are known for offering a variety of games and activities. Casinos often have a highly visible customer service team, and the best ones make it easy to get in touch with someone if you have a problem or need assistance.
The first government-sanctioned gambling house was opened in 1638, in Venice, Italy. The Ridotto had rooms for primitive card and dice games and served food and drinks to its patrons. Over the years, many other governments have allowed and encouraged casino gambling, but the first modern casino was built in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1978. During the 1980s and 1990s casinos began appearing on American Indian reservations, which were exempt from state antigambling laws.
In the 1950s, Las Vegas casino owners sought funds to finance expansion and renovation, but legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in a venture with a taint of vice. Organized crime figures were willing to put up the cash, and they took sole or partial ownership of many casinos, spicing up their image by sponsoring shows and other entertainment.
During the 1970s, casinos focused on building volume and rewarding big spenders with comps (free items). Today, most casinos target high-stakes gamblers who can afford to gamble for hours at a time and place large bets. They reward these gamblers with free hotel rooms, dinners, tickets to shows, and even limo service and airline tickets.