A casino is a facility where people can play games of chance for money. It might sound like an adult amusement park, but it’s really a business that brings in billions of dollars a year for owners, investors and Native American tribes. It’s also an industry that has a dark side.
There are hundreds of casinos worldwide, from massive resorts in Las Vegas to neighborhood card rooms. They include gaming tables and slot machines and nongambling activities, such as restaurants, hotels, bars and swimming pools. Many offer free spectacular entertainment and reduced-fare transportation to draw visitors.
Most of the action in a casino revolves around gambling, which is what really drives its profits. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and poker are just some of the games that attract gamblers and bring in revenue. A successful casino is a complex mix of gambling, entertainment and security.
The security aspect of a casino starts on the floor, where employees watch over patrons and game activity to prevent cheating or stealing. Dealers are trained to spot blatant signs of palming or marking cards, and pit bosses keep an eye on table game players for betting patterns that might indicate cheating. Security also includes cameras that monitor the entire facility.
