In its simplest form, a casino is any place where gambling is legal and the primary activity. While casinos often add a host of extra luxuries to help attract patrons, they always remain places where games of chance can be played and money won or lost.
Security is a primary concern for casinos, which spend a great deal of time and money on surveillance systems. Employees are trained to look for blatant cheating, such as palming or marking cards or dice, and to spot a variety of other suspicious activities. Casino patrons also follow certain routines and patterns, which makes it easier for surveillance workers to detect anomalies.
Many of the security measures used by casinos are electronic in nature, but even older casinos employ a number of traditional methods to monitor the action. Table managers and pit bosses watch over the tables with a more wide-angled view, while floor personnel keep an eye on patrons for any signs of unusual behavior. Casinos also use elaborate “eye-in-the-sky” surveillance, which uses cameras that are mounted in ceiling tiles and can be adjusted to focus on specific areas of the casino.
There is something about the glitz and glamour of casinos that draws people in and encourages them to try their luck. While some people gamble for a living, others simply seek out a little fun and excitement. There are also a number of people who are addicted to gambling, which is why casino operators take great pains to ensure that gambling is only available to responsible patrons.