A casino is a public place that houses games of chance and gambling activities. Today’s casinos add a variety of luxurious amenities to attract players including restaurants, free drinks and stage shows. But at their core, casinos are essentially gambling establishments that tap into our deep-seated human need for risk and reward.

During the heyday of casino ownership in Nevada, organized crime mobsters were often involved with their operations. They provided the money, took sole or partial ownership of a few casinos and often influenced the outcome of games by taking over security and intimidating casino employees. Mobsters’ shady reputation tainted the industry, but federal crackdowns and the risk of losing a gaming license at even the slightest hint of mob involvement kept them away from most casino businesses.

Today, casinos use a variety of techniques to create a manufactured blissful experience that keeps customers coming back for more. For example, many casino floors smell of scented oils that are released into the air to help players relax and feel at home. Combined with bright lights and joyful music, the casino environment is designed to keep players comfortable and happy.

Casinos also compete with non-gambling resorts, online gaming and an illegal gambling business that dwarfs the legal one. This makes the gaming business one of the most competitive in the world, and a successful casino can make a lot of money–but only until someone comes along with a newer, better, fancier or closer version.