Casino is a modern word for what has long been a popular form of entertainment: gambling. While musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate hotels are part of the attraction at most casinos, it is games of chance that provide the billions in profits the industry rakes in each year. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other games provide the thrill of risk and reward that drives people to casinos and gives them reason to spend their money on luxuries such as high-rise rooms with panoramic views and designer decor.
Casinos use a variety of security measures to deter crime and cheating. The most obvious are the security cameras located throughout the establishment, sometimes in an elaborate “eye-in-the-sky” system that allows casino employees to watch every table, window and doorway. Some cameras can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons, and the video feed is recorded in a separate room where security staff can review it.
Security also starts on the casino floor, where casino employees keep an eye on players to spot blatant cheating techniques like palming and marking cards or dice. Pit bosses and table managers have a wider view of the casino and are trained to notice betting patterns that indicate cheating at card games, for example. Casinos also have a number of other methods to discourage cheating and fraud, including the use of hidden cameras, secret tape recorders, and specialized security forces.