Casino is a term that evokes images of the glitz and glamour of Sin City. While it is true that casinos are largely defined by the types of gambling games offered, they often have much more to offer than flashing lights and buzzing slot machines.

In a more literal sense, the word casino refers to a building or room used for social amusements and gambling. The history of gambling spans millennia, with dice appearing in China in 2300 BC and the first card game, baccarat, in 800 AD.

When many people think of a casino, they envision the famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with its Roman-themed architecture and star-studded entertainment. The casino is also famous for its dancing fountains and the film Ocean’s 11 -which was shot at the hotel. But, while it is easy to get lost in the glitter of the infamous Strip, there are plenty of great casinos to be found outside of Sin City.

As far as gaming goes, the majority of casino-goers prefer slot machines. A study conducted for the Nevada Department of Human Resources in 2002 found that 50% of respondents who admitted to casino gambling preferred slots. Blackjack and poker were close behind, with 30% of the votes. Bingo and keno were the least popular choices, garnering only 6% of the vote. The popularity of these games is attributed to their low house edge, high frequency of wins and the ease with which they can be played.