Whether it’s the flashing lights, the loud music or the physical design, everything in a casino is designed to lure you closer and closer until you’re sucked in. It’s a bit like a slot machine: You walk in with a wallet full of cash and the intention to have some fun with a couple rounds of cocktails, then suddenly you don’t know what time it is or what happened to your money.

The goal of any casino is to encourage gambling for as long as possible, because the longer players stay and gamble, the more profit they make. To ensure this, casinos offer a variety of perks and tricks to keep you gambling, even if you’re losing your money.

Comps are free goods or services a casino gives to its most valuable players. These can include free hotel rooms, meals and tickets to shows. Some casinos also offer limo service and airline tickets to their biggest spenders. To get comps, talk to a casino employee or ask someone at the information desk.

If you’re planning to play at a casino, start with a fixed amount that you’re willing to lose and stick to it. It’s also important to walk around a bit and acclimate yourself before making big bets. Also, don’t drink too much, because alcohol can affect your judgement and increase your risk-taking. Also, make sure the casino you choose has transparent policies and T&Cs, and is regulated by an authority.