A casino is a place where games of chance are played and where gambling is the primary activity. Although casinos employ a host of luxuries to lure patrons, such as restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, and dramatic scenery, they would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, poker and other table games are a mainstay of the modern casino economy, generating billions in profits each year.
A large part of a casino’s success depends on security. It begins on the gaming floor, where casino employees keep a watchful eye on patrons and game outcomes to spot blatant cheating. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view of the games, watching for patterns in betting that might indicate collusion or a desire to steal chips from other players. The casino’s high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” surveillance systems provide a clear overview of the entire casino floor, and they can be adjusted to focus on specific suspicious patrons.
Casinos also make money by charging patrons for admission and imposing a rake on all table game bets. In addition, they often collect tips from players and charge for drinks, food and hotel rooms. Because each casino game has a built-in mathematical advantage for the house, it is impossible for a casino to lose money on any single bet. This virtual assurance of profit allows a casino to offer big bettors extravagant inducements like free spectacular entertainment and transportation, luxury living quarters and reduced-fare transportation.