A casino is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. It is a popular form of entertainment in many parts of the world, including in the United States.

The mobsters feared gambling, as the casinos were illegal in most of America and were viewed as a “vice” that stifled businessmen. The gangsters made money from drug dealing, extortion and other illegal activities.

They were also able to bribe politicians and other public officials to pass laws that allowed them to open casinos in their jurisdictions. However, federal crackdowns and the possibility of losing a gaming license at even the faintest hint of Mafia involvement meant that legitimate casino businesses kept the mob out of their casinos.

Security in the Casino

Casino security starts on the floor of the casino, where employees keep an eye on the games and patrons. Dealers can spot blatant cheats like palming or marking cards, and pit bosses watch over the table games to make sure that patrons don’t steal from each other.

Besides the game tables, casinos also offer a variety of other entertainment options. They may have a theater with shows such as rock, jazz and pop musicians or they might offer a restaurant or bar.

The most common games at a casino are slot machines, poker and blackjack. But these days, you can find many other types of games, including video poker, baccarat and virtual sports.

A top casino will have excellent customer service, fast payouts and an extensive game selection. They also often offer perks to attract players and reward them for frequent visits. Those perks are known as comps, and they help casino hosts encourage occasional players to become regulars.