Whether you enjoy the thrill of a competition of skill or just want to try your luck, casinos provide an experience like no other. The flashy and elaborate decor and pulsing music create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. There are usually plenty of places to eat and drink, too, and casino games can range from poker to roulette to slot machines. And there is no telling when the next big win will come your way.

While the mob may have controlled Vegas in the past, real estate investors and hotel chains with deeper pockets soon realized how much they could make by opening their own gambling establishments. Federal crackdowns and the threat of losing their gaming license at even a hint of mob involvement mean that mobsters rarely have the opportunity to run their own casinos anymore.

In addition to the obvious perks of winning money, casinos have many other ways to reward their big spenders. These “comps” can include free shows, meals, hotel rooms, limo service and airline tickets, depending on the amount of time and money spent at a specific game. If you are interested in becoming a comped player, be sure to ask your casino’s information desk about how to get your play rated.

Although most casino patrons know that the house edge guarantees their losses, they still believe that they have a chance to change the odds and walk away a winner. The truth is that casino games are not fair. They are a form of gambling that has been carefully designed to ensure the casino’s profitability.