A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance for its guests. Though musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and lavish hotels help to draw in the crowds, casinos would not exist without the billions of dollars in profits made from casino games of chance like slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and poker.
Gambling is often viewed as a harmless pastime, but in reality it can be a dangerous addiction that has been known to destroy families and even whole communities. Studies have shown that compulsive gamblers generate a large percentage of casino profits but also a significant amount of social costs such as lost productivity, treatment of the addicted and crime.
Something about gambling (and the high amounts of money involved) seems to encourage people to cheat, steal and lie in an attempt to win a jackpot. That’s why casinos spend a huge amount of time, effort and money on security. One of my childhood friends worked security in a Casino and had to quit after only 3 months because he was so sick of seeing people stand at slot machines soiling themselves in the hopes of winning.
A casino’s security starts on the floor, with employees constantly watching over patrons to make sure everything goes as it should. Dealers have a keen eye and can spot blatant cheating like palming, marking or switching cards. Other casino security measures include high-tech “eyes in the sky” that monitor every table, window and doorway.