Casino, the 2015 Martin Scorsese film, presents an epic history of Vegas and its past ties with organized crime. It’s also a reminder of how the city continues to reinvent itself as gambling corporations become more powerful than ever before. But, while it may be tempting to go out and enjoy a night of opulence and excitement, we should remember that gambling is not a sport for the weak. It’s a game of greed and treachery where the house always wins.

Casinos generate billions of dollars a year in profits for their owners, investors, and shareholders, as well as state and local governments. They include massive resorts as well as small card rooms, racetracks and barges with gambling games, and even truck stops and bars with slot machines. They also offer their visitors free drinks, cigarette breaks, and spectacular entertainment.

Many casinos use a variety of psychological tricks to keep gamblers playing and spending money. They create euphoric and enticing environments with dazzling lights, enticing music, and the smell of scented oils. They also use “near-misses” to encourage players to stay and keep gambling.

Casinos can attract non-gamblers by offering them luxury hotels, cutting-edge technology, event spaces, and delicious restaurants. They can also focus on targeting specific events and group business to drive new visitor growth. They can also improve their discoverability by optimizing their website content, location, unique offerings, and latest news for search engines. They can also implement proximity marketing tactics such as beacons to boost their visibility when potential guests are near.