Casinos bring in billions each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them. They also generate huge profits for state and local governments that license them. Successful casinos are designed around noise, light, and excitement to entice gamblers to spend money on games of chance or skill.

Casino games are regulated by law to ensure fair play. Security starts on the casino floor, where employees watch over patrons to spot blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards or dice. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view, watching for betting patterns that could indicate collusion or other dishonest practices. Each person at a game has a “higher-up” assigned to track his or her activities, noting winnings and losses.

Many casinos attract high rollers who bet large sums of money. These people often receive comps — free food, drinks, rooms, or show tickets — to entice them to gamble. They may even be given special tables with private dealers and dedicated seating. High rollers account for a significant portion of a casino’s profits and are often welcomed with special attention and a sense of exclusivity. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany, for example, first attracted royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, and its modern casino is among the most lavish in the world.