A Casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played. These include slot machines, poker, roulette, blackjack, craps, keno and baccarat.
In the United States, gambling at casinos makes billions of dollars every year. While the profits are based on games of chance, casinos also add other luxuries to attract players, including restaurants, free drinks and dramatic scenery.
Casinos use technology to keep their establishments safe and profitable. Electronic systems supervise gaming and video cameras monitor tables and betting patterns.
Security personnel are stationed around the casino and on the floor. Dealers keep an eye on their own game to spot blatant cheating, and they watch players for unusual betting patterns that could indicate they are using a strategy to steal money from the casino.
Elaborate surveillance systems use a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” that lets security workers see the entire casino at once. Cameras change windows and doorways, and can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons.
Some games of chance, like slot machines and video poker, are monitored by computers that adjust payouts to maximize profit. Others, like roulette, are wholly automated and do not require dealers. Craps tables and roulette wheels are regularly inspected to make sure the results are fair. The casino’s goal is to generate more revenue from games of chance than it costs to operate the establishment. In addition, casinos provide perks to “good” players, such as free hotel rooms, dinners or tickets to shows.
