A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. While musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate hotels help to attract visitors, the billions of dollars that casinos make each year in profits come from the gambling machines and tables where patrons try their luck at winning money or prizes. While there are a few table games that involve some strategy and decision-making, the majority of games played in casinos are purely chance. The most popular games include slot machines, blackjack, poker, craps and roulette.

Casinos are big business, but they’re also dangerous. They’re a prime location for criminal activity and are often associated with corruption, organized crime and money laundering. Many casinos have been owned and operated by gangsters or mafia families. These illegal rackets provided the bankroll to keep casinos running even as legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in them because of their seamy image.

Something about casinos seems to encourage people to cheat, scam and steal their way into a jackpot. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. It’s easy for security staff to spot irregularities because everything in a casino follows certain routines and patterns. For example, the way dealers shuffle and deal cards and the location of betting spots on table games all follow certain patterns.

If you’re thinking about visiting a casino, learn more about what to expect before you go. Read about how casinos make their money, what to know about the most popular table and slot games, and how casino’s stay safe.