Like any business in a capitalist society, casinos exist to make money. Successful ones rake in billions each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. They also provide substantial revenue to state and local governments in the form of taxes, fees, and payments for services.
Casinos are primarily gambling establishments that offer table games such as craps, roulette, and blackjack and video poker. They may also have slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. In addition, they usually feature restaurants and bars. They are often located near hotels and resorts and serve as tourist attractions. Some casinos are even featured in films, such as the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven.
While the gambling aspect of a casino attracts most of the attention, the atmosphere in a typical casino is designed around noise, light, and excitement to stimulate gamblers. Patrons are greeted with hostesses and escorts and provided with complimentary drinks and snacks. A typical casino floor is crowded with small groups of people seated at tables playing various games. Excited players shout encouragement, and the music is loud.
Casinos employ a variety of security measures to prevent cheating and fraud. They use video cameras to monitor game play, and they have special technology for some games that detects and alerts dealers to any suspicious activity. For example, some tables use betting chips with built-in microcircuitry that allows them to be tracked and audited minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from their expected outcomes.