A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and sometimes skill. These games can be as simple as slot machines or roulette, or as complex as poker and blackjack. Whatever the game, the goal is always to win money, and this excitement is what draws people in.

Casinos would not exist without gamblers, and the most successful casinos spend a lot to attract them. Beyond the obvious things like musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers, they offer top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, and live entertainment.

In addition, casinos invest a great deal in security, with specialized departments to patrol and monitor the floor as well as closed circuit television systems that watch for anything out of the ordinary. The patterns and routines of casino games also make it easier for security to spot anything suspicious, since players will naturally behave in certain ways.

Historically, mobster involvement was common in casinos, but federal crackdowns and the ability to lose a license at the slightest hint of organized crime mean that legitimate business interests have been able to step in and take over. Today, hotel chains and real estate investors with deep pockets own a large percentage of casinos. While the mob is still involved in some cases, it is no longer a major force to be reckoned with, and casinos continue to thrive.