Casinos are a type of gambling establishment where patrons can wager cash or casino chips on a variety of possible outcomes. The games are typically held in separate rooms and may involve card games, table games or slot machines.
Traditionally, casinos offered a wide range of gambling options, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. However, over the years, some games of chance have been replaced by electronic versions that are less expensive to operate.
Security
A number of security measures are employed at casinos to prevent crime and fraud. These include video surveillance, cameras that look down on the casino floor and through window and doorway gaps. These systems can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons and are regularly recorded for review.
Elaborate surveillance technologies offer a high-tech “eye in the sky” that lets security personnel watch the entire casino at once, changing the angle of the camera and adjusting windows to focus on a particular person. These sophisticated systems are able to pick up signs of cheating and crime, such as palming or marking cards or dice.
The most popular game on a casino’s gaming floor is slot machines. These machines are controlled by computer chips, which are programmed to award jackpots at random.
In addition to the usual table games, many casinos have high stakes private rooms for players who can afford to bet larger amounts. These high roller areas are often staffed by professional dealers and pit bosses who monitor the activity at each table, making sure that all bets are being placed correctly. They also make sure that patrons do not steal from each other or switch cards or dice.