A Casino is a gambling establishment where patrons can try their luck at games of chance for real money. The games may include blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines. Casinos are usually combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and other tourist attractions. They can also be found on cruise ships and in some states, such as Nevada, where legal gambling is allowed. Casinos were once controlled by organized crime, but mob interference and federal crackdowns have allowed hotel chains and real estate investors to take control of many casinos.

Aside from the obvious attraction of gaming machines and tables, casinos also employ a number of other tricks to lure gamblers. For example, slots are programmed to dispense more coins if the player wins, and the sound of clanging coins, bells and whistles is played constantly to attract attention. In addition, more than 15,000 miles of neon tubing adorns the casinos along the Las Vegas Strip.

Another factor is the casino’s security. Employees watch the patrons closely and can spot blatant cheating like palming, marking cards or switching dice. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view and can see betting patterns that might indicate collusion.

In addition to gaming, most casinos offer complimentary goods and services to players, called comps. These can include free food and drinks, show tickets, rooms, limo service and airline tickets. Some casinos even have a loyalty program where players receive points that can be exchanged for cash or prizes.