How Casinos Operate
A casino is a place where people can find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof. While musical shows, lighted fountains, hotels and shopping centers are part of what draw people to casinos, the billions in profits made by the gambling machines are what really keep them going. Slots, blackjack, roulette and craps are among the games that bring in big bucks for casinos.
Gambling probably predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in ancient archaeological sites. The modern casino, with a wide range of gambling opportunities under one roof, did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Wealthy Italian aristocrats would hold private parties in their homes, called ridotti, during which they would play games of chance. The popularity of these private gambling establishments prompted the creation of the casino as we know it.
Modern casinos usually employ two separate departments for security: a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious activity. The latter operates a sophisticated closed circuit television system known in the industry as an eye-in-the-sky, which allows surveillance personnel to monitor all table and slot movements throughout the facility.
Besides these visible forms of security, casinos also use a number of other measures to ensure the safety and security of their patrons. For example, a casino might prohibit players from wearing shorts or skirts that might reveal their underwear. It may also ban certain types of jewelry or watches, and it might require that players sign a waiver disclaiming all responsibility for lost or stolen property. In addition, a casino might provide free food and drinks to its patrons to encourage them to stay longer.
Casinos are a huge business, and they must attract as many customers as possible in order to make money. In addition to providing gambling opportunities, they also offer restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Some casinos are even combined with hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and retail shops.
The best way for a newcomer to understand how casinos operate is to visit several different ones. This will give him or her a feel for how different casino atmospheres differ from each other, and it will help the visitor decide which one to try next time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that casino owners earn a large amount of money from comps, or complimentary goods and services. These are based on the amount of time and money a patron spends at a particular casino, and can include anything from free meals and hotel rooms to tickets to a show. To learn more about comps, ask a casino employee or someone at the information desk.
A final note is that casinos typically use chips instead of actual money to conduct transactions with their guests. This makes it easier for them to track players’ spending and prevent cheating. The chips are colored to distinguish them from the other types of currency used in the casino.
