A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money. Although musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers are all popular attractions that draw people into casinos, the vast majority of casino profits (and losses) come from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno account for the billions in profits that casinos rake in each year.
Casinos have been around for millennia and, despite being considered places of fun and entertainment, they have always had a dark side. Whether it’s cheating, stealing or scamming their way into a jackpot, something about gambling seems to inspire people to try and beat the system. That’s why casinos spend so much time, effort and money on security.
While casino security may seem high-tech, some of the most effective tactics are quite subtle. For example, the way dealers shuffle cards or place chips on a table follows certain patterns that are easy for security personnel to spot. The same goes for the expected reactions and motions of players. Using these and other simple methods, security can quickly identify any deviation from the norm.
Many casinos have a specific focus on high rollers, the gamblers who bet tens of thousands of dollars or more per visit. To keep these VIP patrons happy, casinos offer them extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and suites. Of course, the perks don’t stop there—as long as the casino can attract high rollers, it will have a steady stream of profit.
