A casino is a gambling establishment that provides entertainment based on games of chance. It offers a variety of amenities, such as hotel rooms, spas and restaurants. The most famous casino is in Las Vegas, but there are also casinos around the world.
A lot of money is at stake in a casino, so it’s not surprising that the place is heavily guarded. Security starts on the casino floor, where employees keep their eyes peeled for blatant cheating. Dealers are highly focused on their own game, so they can easily spot palming, marking or switching cards or dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view and watch for betting patterns that might indicate someone is trying to rig the games.
In addition to on-floor security, a casino employs sophisticated surveillance systems to monitor its patrons. For example, a casino may have catwalks on the ceiling that allow staff to look down directly at a gaming table or slot machine through one-way glass. Many casinos also have special cameras in the ceiling that are remotely controlled. Some even have a camera that can zoom in on a particular patron’s face and read the color of his or her skin to make sure it isn’t an undercover police officer.
Gambling has long been a popular form of entertainment, and casinos have sprung up throughout history to take advantage of it. While some people gamble solely for the thrill of winning, others do it to meet financial goals, such as paying off debts or boosting retirement savings. However, something about gambling seems to encourage some people to cheat, steal or scam their way into a jackpot.