A casino is an establishment for gambling games. It can be large or small, and it may be located in a hotel, an entertainment complex, a resort, or somewhere else. Casinos have many different games and amenities for players to enjoy, including table games, slot machines, poker rooms, and even live entertainment. They also offer comps to players, which are free goods or services given to those that spend a lot of money.
Modern casinos have specialized security departments that monitor and patrol the facilities. They work closely with the casino’s surveillance department, known as “the eye in the sky.” In addition to a physical force, these departments use technology to ensure the safety of guests and prevent crime. Casinos are a popular destination for tourists, and they provide billions of dollars each year in revenues to companies, investors, and local governments.
In the past, organized crime was a major problem for casinos. Mafia figures controlled many of the casinos in Las Vegas and Reno. But federal crackdowns and the threat of losing a license at the slightest hint of mob involvement forced the mobsters out. With deep pockets, real estate investors and hotel chains bought out the mobsters and began running their own casinos without the Mafia’s interference. In the 1990s, casino owners began incorporating advanced technology into their operations. They introduced chip tracking, a system that allows them to oversee the exact amounts wagered on each game minute-by-minute; they installed electronic roulette wheels that allow them to instantly detect any statistical deviation from the expected results.