When most people think of a casino, they envision a glitzy, neon-lit Las Vegas megaresort. While stage shows, lighted fountains and themed hotels certainly help draw in crowds, casinos would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, craps, baccarat and other gambling activities provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in each year.
Like any industry in a capitalist society, casinos must make money to survive. Successful ones rake in profits for corporations, investors and Native American tribes that own and operate them, as well as for state and local governments that collect taxes and fees on the gaming business.
As long as gamblers have been betting against the house, casinos will continue to exist. But, in the long run, players always lose money. Casinos try to minimize this fact by putting up signs and displaying statistics, including the probability of winning and losing. In addition, they use bright and often gaudy floor and wall coverings that are believed to stimulate and cheer the patrons up. Red is a particularly popular color, because it has been shown to help players forget about the passage of time.
Although casinos are primarily profit-driven, they also offer a number of social services for their patrons. Most casinos offer free or reduced-fare transportation and hotel rooms, as well as free food and drinks while gambling. Some even host family entertainment and educational programs for children. Casinos are also a major source of employment for many local residents.