A casino is a place where people can play various games of chance for money. Although casinos often add a host of extra amenities to help attract customers, they are still gambling establishments at heart. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and other games provide the billions of dollars in profit that make up the bulk of a casino’s annual revenues.
While many Americans see casinos as a glamorous entertainment venue, most are not aware that the vast majority of a casino’s profits come from gambling. Whether it’s a large casino in Nevada or a small clubhouse in New York state, the main source of profit for all casinos comes from betting on games of chance.
Modern casinos employ a variety of security methods to ensure that their patrons are not cheating. These techniques start with a close watch over the games by casino employees. Dealers have a very narrow focus of attention, so they can easily spot blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards or dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view and look for betting patterns that could indicate cheating. Most casinos also have a “higher-up” person watching each game to note how much is being wagered and by whom.
Because they have a virtual assurance of a certain amount of gross revenue, it is very rare for a casino to lose money on a particular game, even for one day. Because of this, they offer big bettors extravagant inducements in the form of free spectacular entertainment and luxury accommodations (rooms, meals, tickets to shows and limo service). Comps are generally based on how long a player plays and how much he or she spends.