A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance and some with an element of skill. Some casinos are standalone buildings, while others are built in or combined with hotels, restaurants, resorts, or cruise ships. Casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment, including stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports events.
While many people think of Las Vegas when they hear the word casino, these gaming houses can be found all over the world. Some are large and have multiple floors, while others are small and intimate. All have a similar feel to them and offer a wide range of gambling opportunities, from table games to slot machines and beyond.
Most casinos use technology to prevent cheating and other crimes. Cameras monitor all areas of the casino at all times, and in some cases, this monitoring is done by computers that are linked to a central system. This allows casino personnel to view the results of any given game at any time, and also to quickly discover if a pattern has emerged in the data that suggests a problem. Casinos have also dramatically increased their use of technology to supervise the actual games themselves. For example, betting chips have microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems in the tables, allowing casinos to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute by minute and warn them of any anomaly; roulette wheels are monitored electronically to discover any statistical deviation from their expected results. This kind of work is usually performed by mathematicians and computer programmers who are specializing in gaming analysis.
In addition to technological measures, most casinos employ numerous staff members who are trained in gaming regulations and who are ready to spot suspicious behavior. Some of these employees are hired as security guards, while others are specially trained to observe a game for unusual activity or inconsistencies that may indicate cheating.
Casinos are also designed to maximize their profits by offering perks to attract and keep gamblers. These incentives can include free shows, discounted travel packages, luxury hotel rooms, and even food and drink. These perks are often known as comps. While the majority of these are offered to regular customers, some are reserved for high rollers who are expected to spend a great deal of money while gambling.
According to the American Gaming Association, approximately 51 million Americans over the age of 21 visited a casino in 2002. While the percentage of adults who visit casinos is relatively low, these figures represent a substantial industry that provides jobs and tax revenues. The average casino customer is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. These patrons are frequently accompanied by family members and friends, making casino visits social occasions as well as business transactions.