The modern casino looks more like an indoor amusement park than a gambling establishment, but the vast majority of its profits (and entertainment) comes from games of chance. Craps, roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines provide the billions of dollars that casinos rake in every year. [1]

Gambling in one form or another has been a part of almost all human societies throughout history. But the modern casino adds many luxuries and amenities to make it a more appealing destination for players. It is these luxuries that give the casino its distinctive character and make it stand out from other public places where gambling activities take place.

Something about the nature of gambling seems to encourage people to cheat or steal to increase their chances of winning. That is why casinos devote considerable time, effort and money to their security systems. These include elaborate surveillance equipment with cameras that can monitor all the activity on a floor from a single room or control booth. The patterns and routines of casino games also make it easier for security personnel to spot anything that is out of the ordinary.

Some casinos offer free merchandise and services to certain “good” gamblers, who are called comps. These can range from free hotel rooms and meals to discounted or even complimentary tickets to shows or events. Some casinos even have special lines of credit for their most loyal patrons. Casinos may also have programs to help their patrons overcome problems with gambling. Most states include statutory funding for responsible gambling as a condition of their licensing agreements with casinos.