A casino is a building or room where people can play various games of chance for money. The games usually involve a large amount of money, and the casino makes its money by taking a small percentage of all bets placed. This small advantage, which is lower than two percent, can earn casinos millions of dollars each year. Casinos can use the money they make to build elaborate hotels, fountains and towers or to pay for stage shows and other entertainment.
Casinos often have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing by players or staff members. These measures start on the casino floor, where employees are constantly watching over patrons and games to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Dealers and pit bosses can easily spot blatant cheating techniques like palming, marking or switching cards or dice. More sophisticated security features include catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to watch every table, window and doorway. Cameras can be adjusted to focus on specific suspicious patrons.
Casinos are also known for offering free goods and services to their high rollers, or “comps.” Players who spend large sums of money playing slot machines or at tables can receive free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows, and limo service. These perks are meant to keep players coming back for more gambling action.
