A casino, or gaming establishment, draws in billions of dollars each year for owners, investors and Native American tribes, and gives gamblers the opportunity to win big money. While many casino amenities — from music and lights to shopping centers, restaurants and hotels — are designed to attract customers, the vast majority of profits come from games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games are the main draws. In the United States, casinos can be found in cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, as well as at racetracks (racinos) and even in bars and grocery stores.
The casinos’ ability to make huge profits comes from the mathematical expectancy of each game and the fact that all bets are placed within an established limit, meaning no single patron can lose more than the casino can afford to pay. This virtual assurance of profit also makes it possible for casinos to offer big bettors extravagant inducements, such as free shows, limo service and hotel rooms. Casinos also earn profits from less-affluent patrons who play lower-stakes games and receive “comps” such as complimentary meals, drinks and hotel rooms.
Security at a casino starts on the floor, where all eyes are focused on every player’s actions and reactions in order to spot any blatant cheating, such as marking or switching cards or dice. Then, pit bosses and table managers oversee each game with a more broader perspective, checking betting patterns and observing each player’s reactions to make sure they are following standard procedures.