Casino is a gambling establishment that offers the chance to wager money on games of chance. Successful casinos rake in billions of dollars annually for the corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. In addition, they benefit the surrounding communities through tourism and increased spending. However, studies show that compulsive gambling diminishes these gains.

To attract gamblers, casino owners design a stimulating atmosphere. They create excitement by placing many tables and machines near each other, promoting social interaction among players. They also offer free drinks and food, enticing patrons to spend more time and money. The use of bright colors like red, which is believed to stimulate the senses and make gamblers lose track of time, makes the environment more exciting. The noise and excitement created by the games, the patrons, and the staff is enhanced with music and light shows.

A major concern for the casino business is security. With large amounts of cash handled inside, casino employees and patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal. To prevent this, casinos employ a variety of security measures. These include a surveillance system that monitors every table, window, and doorway. Casinos also have security personnel who patrol the floor to spot suspicious patrons.

In the past, many American casino chains were run by mobsters, but federal crackdowns and fear of losing a license at the slightest hint of mob involvement have driven the gangsters out of the business. Today, casino ownership is generally limited to real estate investors and hotel companies with deep pockets. These businesses have bought out the mobsters and are running the casinos without mob interference.