The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults. It offers a variety of games, restaurants and bars, luxurious accommodations and even swimming pools. But, while musical shows, lighted fountains and shops lure in the crowds, casinos would not exist without gambling. Slot machines and table games like blackjack, roulette and craps provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year.
From the beginning, however, casino owners realized they had to offer more than just gambling to attract and keep visitors. Floor shows, free drinks and all-you-can-eat buffets became staples. Las Vegas, in particular, has pushed its image as much as a vacation destination as a gaming mecca.
While all these perks help bring in the dollars, casino security remains a top concern. Many casinos employ teams of people to keep an eye on gamblers, keeping them from cheating or stealing and making sure the rules are followed. Security also includes a number of technological measures. For example, some table games use chips that have a built-in microcircuitry, allowing the casino to monitor exactly how much is wagered minute by minute. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviations from their expected results.
Of course, no casino is completely safe from criminal activity. Despite the efforts of casino managers and security staff, some casinos do have troublesome patrons. Fortunately, most incidents are resolved before they become major problems. But, in the rare cases when a problem does occur, a casino must be prepared to take extreme steps to protect its reputation and its assets.