Casinos are entertainment facilities that host a variety of gambling games. They are usually attached to hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourist attractions.
Gambling at a Casino
Every year, casinos make billions of dollars in profits from slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other popular gambling games. These profits help pay for the elaborate hotels, fountains, shopping centers and replicas of famous landmarks that are found in modern casinos.
How the Casinos Make Their Money
The games of chance that make up a casino’s profit are called the “house edge.” It’s the statistical advantage the casino has over its customers, and is known as vig or rake, depending on the game. In most cases, the house edge is a small amount, but over time and millions of bets, it can add up to an enormous sum.
How Casinos Stay Safe
In most modern casinos, security is divided into two parts: a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. Both of these departments work closely together to keep the casino safe from crime.
Elaborate surveillance systems allow cameras in the ceiling to watch every table and change window and doorway at once, while surveillance personnel on the ground can focus on suspicious patrons from a different perspective. They can also record video feeds to review later if criminal activity is detected.
In addition to security measures, casinos also take a hard look at problem gambling. Some casinos even offer free brochures about Gamblers Anonymous to encourage gamblers to seek treatment. Unfortunately, addiction to gambling is a serious problem that affects many people in the U.S., and researchers estimate that up to 80 percent of those with a gambling disorder never seek treatment.