Whether you’re a seasoned casino veteran or a casual visitor, there are games that appeal to all levels of skill and interest. Some, like slot machines, are purely chance-based while others, like poker and blackjack, require some level of skill.

The popularity of gambling isn’t just good for the casinos; it’s a huge economic boon to many communities. In fact, some cities depend on local card rooms to generate a substantial percentage of their tax revenues. These taxes allow governments to spend on community services, infrastructure, and other projects without cutting city budgets or raising other taxes.

When it comes to casino marketing, there are some tried and true strategies that work. The first step is to understand your audience. Identify their pain points and what drives them to your location. For example, while demographics can be helpful, it’s important to know why the group of women in their late 20s and early 30s are at your casino. They could be in town for a business convention or celebrating a bachelorette party.

Movies about casinos are popular with audiences. One of the most notable is Casino, Martin Scorsese’s evocation of the hedonistic decadence of Vegas in the ’70s. The movie is less nostalgic than it is rueful, and its sense of dread owes much to its close attention to institutional systems of grift.