The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults. Lighted fountains, a dazzling array of shopping options and stage shows are all designed to entice patrons in. But the vast majority of a casino’s profits (and fun) are generated from games of chance such as slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and keno. These games, and many others, make up the billions of dollars in profits raked in by U.S. casinos every year.

Gambling has been around for centuries, with records of it found in ancient Mesopotamia and Greece, Rome and Elizabethan England. Throughout history, the thrill of gambling has attracted swindlers and cheaters as well as those with good intentions. Something about gambling—perhaps it’s the money involved—seems to inspire people to cheat, steal and scam in order to win a fortune. That’s probably why casino is used to describe so many different places: from the lavish Las Vegas mega-resorts to smaller, less glitzy facilities that still house gaming activities.

There are more than 500 casinos in the United States. Most of these facilities are located in states that allow legal gambling, though a few operate on Native American reservations or in other countries. The largest concentration of casinos is in Nevada, followed by Atlantic City and New Jersey. Many are built near or combined with resorts, hotels and restaurants, retail shops or cruise ships.

In addition to their games of chance, casinos are known for their lavish entertainment venues that feature music, comedy and theatrical performances. They are also famous for their buffets and restaurants, which provide visitors with a wide variety of dining options. Some even offer free drinks to their guests. There are several myths about casinos that persist in popular culture. For example, some people believe that there is a certain time of day when it’s best to go to the casino in order to increase their chances of winning. However, this is untrue. A person’s chances of winning are based on his or her skill level, the amount of money he or she bets and other factors.

Some people have a negative image of casinos, and this is partly due to mob involvement in the past. But as real estate investors and hotel chains became more savvy about the profits they could make from casinos, mob interference began to fade. Today, federal regulations and the threat of losing a license at even the slightest hint of mob involvement help to keep legitimate casinos away from mob control.

Casinos are designed to be exciting and stimulating. Bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings are meant to stimulate the senses and cheer people on as they play. Red is a common decorating color, as it is believed to cause people to lose track of time and concentrate more on their games. In fact, many casinos don’t display clocks on their walls in order to encourage this behavior. Some casinos even use a “red alert” system to warn gamblers when their losses are excessive. Casinos also reward their most loyal customers with comps, or complimentary items or services, such as free drinks, meals and even rooms and limo service.