A casino is a place where people go to gamble, and it’s also a major source of entertainment and profits for the cities that host them. Musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate hotel themes help draw in the crowds, but the vast majority of casinos’ revenue comes from gambling games like slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno.

In addition to cameras and other security measures, casinos use technology to monitor their own games as well. For instance, chip tracking allows casinos to oversee the exact amounts being wagered minute-by-minute and to quickly discover any statistical deviations from expected results; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect any mechanical anomalies that could affect their performance.

As the twentieth century wore on, casinos became choosier about whom they let into their establishments. They focused their investments on “high rollers,” who spend a lot of money and bring in a large amount of profit. In return for their spending, these players receive a variety of perks called comps that include free rooms and meals, free show tickets and even airplane flights.

The casino is a key attraction in any city that prides itself on being a party destination, and it’s hard to imagine a modern world without them. This article explores how casinos make their money, the history of these places and some of the most popular games. It also takes a closer look at security in a casino and how gambling addiction can be treated.