Gambling in its many forms has influenced the world’s culture and economy for centuries. Today, casinos are more than just gambling halls: they also offer restaurants, hotels, entertainment and other amenities. They exist in every corner of the globe, from the glittering mega-casinos of Las Vegas and Atlantic City to smaller Native American gaming operations and pai gow halls in New York City’s Chinatown.
Casinos are designed to maximize gambling revenues by offering various games with mathematically determined odds that favor the house. This advantage is known as the house edge. Casinos also accept bets from patrons and, in the case of games like poker where players play against each other, charge a fee called the rake. Casinos may also give out complimentary items or comps to players.
With so much money handled in a small space, it’s not surprising that casinos are prone to crime. Both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently, which is why most casinos employ security measures to prevent this.
These security measures may include a physical security force and/or a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or suspected criminal activity, while the latter monitors the property using closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. In some cases, both departments work together to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside the casino. In addition to the physical security forces, most casinos employ a wide range of technology, including cameras and a centralized monitoring system.
