A casino is more than just a place to gamble. It’s a place where champagne glasses clink and tourists and locals mingle to create a vibe that is truly intoxicating. The roar of the crowd, the glitz and glamour of the lighting and decor and the sound of slot machines clinking are just a few of the elements that make casinos so incredibly special.

Despite the glitz and the glitter, casinos would not exist without games of chance, and even though musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and lavish hotels help bring in the profits, it is gambling that provides the billions of dollars in revenue that U.S. casinos rake in each year. Slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and other games of chance generate the vast majority of the revenue.

Because of the large amounts of money involved, some patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with mob figures or on their own. To combat this, most casinos employ security measures including surveillance cameras throughout the premises and strict rules of conduct.

Those who play regularly at a particular casino will often be given “comps” (free goods and services) to keep them coming back. These can include free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows and limo service. Just be sure to know your limits and drink responsibly. Too much alcohol can impair your judgement and lead to irrational decisions, which could cost you dearly.