A casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played. Though a modern casino offers many amenities that are not usually associated with gambling—restaurants, theaters and shopping centers—the vast majority of its profits come from the game of chance, primarily slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and baccarat. A casino’s security is often a major focus, with sophisticated surveillance systems that use cameras throughout the building and can be manipulated to monitor suspicious patrons.
Casinos are usually regulated by law and offer different types of gaming. Some are stand-alone buildings, while others are integrated into hotels and resorts. Casinos also host a number of events, including concerts, sports contests, and poker tournaments.
Most casinos are not run by the mob, but the Mafia was once a key source of money for Las Vegas casino owners. As mobsters became more invested in their gambling empires, they demanded to be involved in decision-making and often took sole or partial ownership of the casinos. The rise of legitimate businessmen with deep pockets who were willing to risk losing their casino licenses over even the faintest whiff of mob involvement saw the decline of the Mafia’s grip on Las Vegas.