Casino is an establishment where gambling takes place. Some casinos specialize in specific games, while others offer a variety of games. Many casino games are based on chance, but some require skill. Casinos earn millions in profits each year from gambling, but they must also keep their customers safe and happy.
Security at a casino begins on the gaming floor, where employees watch over the games and patrons. Dealers can easily spot blatant cheating, such as palming cards or marking dice, and can note betting patterns that indicate someone is trying to steal. Table managers and pit bosses monitor each table, watching for suspicious behavior or observing that players are following their expected routines. Casinos also have cameras that offer a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” to ensure that every angle of the casino is covered.
As the popularity of gambling grew in the United States, it became necessary for casinos to employ security measures. Mobsters provided funds to casinos and often became personally involved, taking over some casinos or controlling their operations through the use of intimidation and violence.
The modern casino is more than a gambling hall, with a host of amenities to make guests feel comfortable and entertained. Musical shows, dazzling lighting and shopping centers draw crowds, but casinos would not exist without games of chance like roulette, craps, blackjack, poker and slot machines. They bring in billions of dollars in revenue each year, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.