A casino is a place where people can play games of chance. The modern casino is much more than that, with a variety of entertainment offerings and other amenities that draw in customers. Musical shows, lighted fountains and hotels are just some of the features that help casinos earn billions in profits each year. But the truth is that the casino would be nothing without the gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games provide the billions in earnings that casino owners rake in.

While a wide range of casino entertainment options is available, there are also some important rules that can help you stay safe and make the most of your time at the tables and slots. Before you step foot in a casino, decide how much you can afford to lose and how much you will be happy to win. Stick to that budget, and don’t let yourself get distracted by the many temptations around you.

Security at casinos starts on the gaming floor, where casino employees keep a close eye on patrons to spot cheating or other violations of the rules. They are also trained to recognize blatant tricks, such as palming or marking cards. Elaborate surveillance systems offer a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” that allows security personnel to monitor every table, window and doorway. These cameras can be adjusted to focus on specific patrons by security workers in a separate room full of banks of security monitors. Casinos also employ mathematicians and computer programmers who study game theory and analyze the house edge and variance for each of their games.