A casino is a place where people play games of chance. It may also offer other entertainment, such as a musical show or lighted fountains. While these amenities help lure gamblers, the billions of dollars in profits casinos rake in each year come from betting money. Casinos can be large and lavish, or they can be small and simple. Some are integrated into hotels, while others stand alone. Some are open 24/7, while others are only in operation during certain hours of the day or week.
Security is a major concern at casinos. It begins on the casino floor, where employees watch patrons to spot cheating. Dealers can easily spot blatant tactics such as palming or marking cards. Pit bosses and table managers monitor table games with a broader view, making sure patrons aren’t stealing from one another or betting in suspicious patterns.
In addition, casinos rely on technology to monitor game-play and patron behavior. Electronic systems on roulette wheels enable casinos to keep track of exactly how much is being wagered each minute, and computers can quickly discover any statistical deviations. Casinos are also wired with cameras that provide a high-tech “eye in the sky” that can be adjusted to focus on specific suspicious patrons.
Casinos also try to lure gamblers with perks that they believe will encourage them to spend more. These rewards are called comps and can include free hotel rooms, dinners, show tickets and even airline flights based on how much a patron spends in the casino.