Casino is a gambling establishment that combines games of chance with entertainment to draw in patrons and make money. These games of chance include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and more. A successful casino brings in billions of dollars each year for its owners, shareholders, and investors, as well as state, city, and tribal governments. While musical shows, lighted fountains, and shopping centers lure in visitors, the bulk of a casino’s income comes from its gambling operations.
Because large amounts of money are involved, casinos have elaborate security measures. Casinos have video cameras located throughout the facility, and employees constantly monitor patrons to spot suspicious behavior or activity. Elaborate surveillance systems also provide a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky,” enabling security personnel to watch every table, window, and doorway simultaneously. In addition, casinos monitor their games with computer technology. For example, roulette wheels are electronically monitored minute-by-minute to detect any statistical deviation from expected results.
Gamblers may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. Because of this, casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security. Some casinos even employ security personnel on the floor to prevent such behavior. In addition, the use of chips turns real money into an abstraction and makes it harder for players to feel the pain of losing.
While casinos do a variety of things to keep gamblers happy, they cannot change the fact that they have a mathematical advantage over their customers. To offset this, they offer big bettors extravagant inducements, such as free spectacular entertainment and luxury living quarters.