A casino is a building or large room equipped for gambling, entertainment and dancing. Its design and decor are intended to attract and keep patrons. They are often decorated in bright, rich and gaudy colors to stimulate the senses and make gamblers feel excited. Red is a particularly popular color in casino decoration. Several other colors and decorations may be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere, such as black or blue. The lighting is generally darkened somewhat to help patrons lose track of time and concentrate on gambling.
Gambling is a form of entertainment and has a long history in many cultures worldwide. In the past, casinos were often run by organized crime groups who had plenty of cash from illegal drug dealing and extortion operations. These mobsters took full or partial ownership of some casinos and sometimes even influenced the outcomes of games, often by threats to casino staff. Legitimate businessmen were initially reluctant to get involved in casinos because of their seamy image. This changed as the gambling industry grew, and casino owners sought funds to finance their expansions and renovations.
Modern casinos usually have a separate department for physical security and a specialized surveillance department that operates the closed circuit television system known as the eye in the sky. The physical security force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized surveillance department watches the cameras and may monitor casino patrons’ behavior at the tables and in the slots.
The amount of money handled in a casino makes it a prime target for theft and cheating. Both patrons and staff may attempt to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other patrons or on their own. Security personnel are trained to recognize these patterns, and most casinos have special security cameras located throughout the facility.
In addition to security measures, casinos employ a variety of strategies designed to lure patrons and keep them betting. Free drinks, luxury suites, clubs, pools and concerts all are part of the lure. Some of these amenities are available to all casino guests; others require a high level of play or a high dollar bet to use. Some casinos also provide a hot list of slot machines with the highest payouts. This information is often available from employees who are willing to discuss it for a good tip.
Since most casino games have a positive mathematical expectancy, it is very rare for a casino to lose money on a particular day. Because of this, they often offer big bettors extravagant inducements, such as free or reduced-fare transportation, a private jet, luxury living quarters and even entire vacations. Critics argue that the costs of treating problem gamblers and lost productivity from gambling addiction more than offset any economic benefits that casinos bring to a community. In addition, they shift local spending away from other forms of entertainment and away from businesses that might compete with the casinos for patrons’ money.