When people hear the word casino, they think of bright lights, big money and the chance to try and win Lady Luck. Casinos are located throughout the United States, from Vegas and Atlantic City to tiny mountain towns whose old 19th century Wild West buildings house slot machines and poker tables.
While casinos are filled with luxury amenities like restaurants, hotels and dazzling stage shows, they wouldn’t exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games rake in billions of dollars for casinos every year.
Even though the odds of winning at any casino game are slim, gamblers continue to flock to these entertainment centers. Casinos use free food and drinks to keep gamblers happy, but these extras only mask the real reason that casinos are so popular: gambling.
The gambling industry has become more and more sophisticated as technology has advanced. For instance, electronic systems monitor each and every bet placed on a table, minute by minute. And, roulette wheels are monitored electronically so that any statistical deviations can be spotted immediately.
Today, casinos are also choosier about which gamblers they accept. High rollers (gamblers who spend a lot of money) are given special treatment and rewarded with comps such as free rooms, meals, show tickets, and even airline tickets. In addition, a casino’s security personnel are trained to spot the subtle signs of cheating. These include examining the betting patterns of players, observing the dealer’s reactions to various bets and noticing any unusual movements on the table.
