A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money, and in some cases other items of value. It has been a popular pastime throughout history, and many people consider it a fun way to pass the time. Today, casinos are often massive facilities that house games of chance like slot machines, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette and craps that generate billions in revenue for their owners each year. Musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate themes help draw visitors to these gambling meccas, but the vast majority of profits come from gambling alone.
Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most casinos have security measures in place to deter these activities. Security cameras placed throughout the casino provide a constant eye on the action, and in some casinos, there are catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one way glass, at players at tables or slot machines.
Besides cameras and other technological devices, casino security measures also include rules of conduct and behavior. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating techniques like marking or switching cards, and table managers and pit bosses watch over table games to ensure that there are no improprieties in the betting patterns of patrons. Casinos are also known for giving comps to “good” players, a system that rewards loyal patrons with free rooms, meals, tickets to shows and even limo service or airline tickets.