While a casino has all the bells and whistles of a modern hotel, it’s really a place where people gather to play games of chance and wager on them. These games are what provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in each year. A casino is simply a building that houses these gambling activities and has certain rules and regulations in place to protect players from the criminal elements.

It’s not just about the games though, the glitz and glamour of Vegas also attracts celebrities for various events such as filming movies or performing in one of its many world-famous nightclubs. The iconic Bellagio fountain show and luxurious rooms are part of the draw. However, there are other less extravagant places that can be called a casino and they still house a variety of gaming activities.

Some of these casinos have even become a part of history because of their links with organized crime, most famously in the case of Las Vegas where Scorsese filmed Casino in 1992. While some of the violent scenes in that movie may seem over-the-top, they accurately depict how the mafia lost control of a city that had previously been run by mobster families who controlled every aspect of its business and social life.

It’s also important to remember that a casino is a business and it must cover its expenses, including the wages of employees, as well as other operating costs. That’s why casinos offer free drinks and other amenities to “good” customers. These complimentary goods and services can include free hotel rooms, dinners, shows, limo service or airline tickets depending on how much the player spends at their tables or slots.