A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. Some casinos are massive hotel-entertainment complexes blazing with neon lights and fun. Others are small businesses that focus on particular types of gambling. In either case, the goal is to stimulate spending.
Until the late twentieth century, gambling was illegal in most states. Even when it became legal, it took decades for casino gambling to develop into a major industry. During that time, casinos existed underground or in places where local laws did not prohibit them. Many were run by organized crime groups or by individuals who hid their involvement from law enforcement.
Casinos use a variety of tricks to attract customers and keep them gambling. For example, slot machines are designed to appeal to the senses of sight, sound, and touch. They have lights and bells, and the noises they make (such as the cling clang of coins dropping during payout) are electronically tuned to a musical key. The sounds are intended to be pleasing to the ear, and they blend with the ambient sound of the casino.
In addition to providing stimulating atmospheres, casinos also provide perks for gamblers. They offer discounts on food, drink, hotel rooms, and show tickets. They may also give out free items, known as comps. The most lucrative gamblers, known as high rollers, are pampered in special rooms with personal attention and luxury amenities. High rollers bring in much more money than average gamblers, so they are the main source of profits for casinos.