When the word casino comes to mind, most people think of the bright lights, big money, and the chance to try a hand at Lady Luck and walk away with (hopefully) a large wad of cash. But casinos aren’t just about gambling; they offer a variety of entertainment and other amenities that bring in millions of dollars in profits each year. From the Vegas Strip to tiny mountain towns whose 19th century Wild West buildings are full of slot machines and poker tables, this article will take a look at what makes a casino tick, how it’s designed to keep patrons happy and enthralled, and the dark side of the business.

Something about the nature of gambling seems to encourage cheating, stealing and scamming, which are why casinos devote so much time and effort to security. Many modern casinos use computerized systems to monitor the games themselves, with chips equipped with microcircuitry to allow casinos to track the exact amounts wagered minute-by-minute and to warn of any anomaly; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover statistical deviations as quickly as a fifth ace showing up on the table.

Of course, the primary way casinos make their money is by drawing in high-dollar gamblers. This is done through a series of customer service perks known as comps, including free drinks and luxury suites, discounted travel packages and hotel rooms, and other perks that are designed to make high-rollers feel special and keep them betting.