A casino is a building or an internet site that accommodates gambling. Customers may gamble by playing slot machines or other games of chance(e.g., craps, roulette - for more see casino games). Game rules usually have mathematically determined odds built in that ensure the house retains a minimum percentage of the money spent by the players. Some statistically even games may take a commission or tax on bets customers make against each other (e.g., poker, pai gow, baccarat). Casinos are often combined with or near hotels, restaurants and other vacation attractions to encourage long stays.
The term originally meant a small villa, summerhouse or pavilion built for pleasure, usually on the grounds of a larger Italian villa or palazzo. There are examples of such casinos at Villa Giulia and Villa Farnese. During the 19th century, the term casino came to include other more public buildings where pleasurable activities, chiefly gambling, took place.
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