A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons play games of chance for money. A casino can add a variety of extra attractions to draw in gamblers, such as restaurants, free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery. Historically, casinos were heavily associated with organized crime. However, as real estate developers and hotel chains got involved, mob influence in the industry began to wane.
A major source of revenue for a casino comes from its slot machines and video poker devices. These machines use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of a spin or hand, and are controlled by a computer. Casinos also offer “complimentary” games to their patrons, in which they give players a card that tracks how much they play and how much they spend. The cards allow patrons to accumulate points which can be exchanged for cash or free slot play. In addition, casinos have a system of cameras that monitor the entire casino floor through one-way mirrors and are adjustable to focus on suspicious patrons.
Security is a huge concern for casinos, as patrons and staff alike may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Security measures include cameras, a trained eye, and rules of conduct. For example, a dealer’s eye is on the game for blatant palming, marking or switching of cards or dice, while pit bosses watch over table games with a broader view to make sure no one is stealing from other tables.
