While they have plenty of amenities like restaurants, stage shows and shopping centers to draw in visitors, casinos still make the most money from gambling activities. Slot machines, blackjack and poker are just a few of the many games that generate billions in profits for casino owners every year.
While many gamblers are drawn to the thrill of winning big, the majority of people who visit a casino are not looking to win but rather have fun and socialize with friends. To help guests enjoy themselves even more, many casinos offer complimentary goods and services such as free hotel rooms, dinners or tickets to shows for players who are considered “good.”
During the 1920s, Nevada legalized casino gambling, and soon after Atlantic City and American Indian reservations opened their own facilities, other states followed suit. But the most significant change came in the 1980s, when investment banks began to buy and run casinos. The mob might have provided the cash for some casinos in the past, but the threat of federal prosecution and the potential loss of a gaming license at even the hint of gangster involvement keeps organized crime out of modern casino operations.
In the 21st century, casinos are much more selective about which high rollers they attract. The top players are offered special rooms that feature the most advanced gaming equipment. They also receive comps, or complementary goods and services, worth thousands of dollars, such as free luxury suites and personal attention from staff. This allows the casinos to focus their investments on those who can provide the most revenue, while still offering all of the regular games and other luxuries for everyone else.