You stride into a casino, wallet in hand, ready for a little fun. You’re planning a couple rounds of drinks, some sensible gaming and then just maybe you’ll get lucky enough to win a few bucks. But hours later you’re still in the casino, and your wallet is empty. What went wrong?

Something about casinos encourages cheating and stealing. That’s why security is a big part of the experience. Casino security starts on the floor, where casino employees keep their eyes on patrons, watching for blatant scams like palming or marking cards. But even more subtle things can give away a cheater, and that’s where casino software comes in handy. It tracks each player’s behavior and can detect patterns that may indicate he or she is trying to game the system.

The physical design of a casino is also important. There’s usually plenty of room to dance and mingle, as well as places to eat and drink. The decor is often flashy and extravagant, with statues or other details to grab attention. And there’s almost always music playing, a rhythm that can make you lose track of time.

And then there are the video screens, which can be used to enhance gaming tables or to facilitate sports betting in states that have legalized it. Modern casinos are using these video screens in a variety of ways, to meet the needs of their customers while also staying competitive in an industry that’s rapidly changing.