Casino security begins on the floor of the casino, where employees are constantly on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Dealers are very focused on their games, which makes them great candidates for spotting cheaters. Others, like pit bosses, oversee the table games and monitor betting patterns. Each employee is monitored by a higher-up, so even the smallest of mistakes can be quickly caught. However, the biggest concern of any Casino owner is how to keep its patrons safe.
To keep patrons happy, casinos offer many incentives and perks to encourage them to spend more money. These perks are called comps, which are free items and services. In the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos were infamous for offering cheap buffets, free show tickets, and discounted travel packages. These incentives aimed to get as many people as possible to visit their casino, which drove gambling revenue. So, how do casinos combat this? Here are some tips:
Comps: The casinos reward “good” players with comps. These bonuses are awarded based on the amount of money spent at the casino and the amount of time you spend in their establishment. The more comps you earn, the higher your comps will be. A comp can be worth hundreds, or even thousands, depending on the casino. Regardless of what you win, the best way to protect your finances from casino fraud is to limit your gambling and play smart.
Gaming laws: As with all other types of gambling, casinos can be regulated by state laws. Casinos aren’t allowed on American Indian reservations, but they are permitted on riverboats. In addition to American states, casinos can be found in Puerto Rico, and many countries in South America. However, the casino in Havana closed in 1959, after the Revolution in Cuba. Approximately 3,000 casinos exist legally around the world. There are also more than 100 licensed casinos in the United States.
Gaming rules: In addition to being legal, casinos have strict policies to ensure that patrons can win a fair amount. Most casinos accept all bets up to a limit. As such, patrons can’t lose more than the casino can afford to pay out. There is an implied mathematical expectation of winning on every game, and casinos seldom lose money. In addition, casinos routinely offer large-scale inducements, including free drinks and cigarettes to big bettors.
Using technology to keep patrons safe: Some casinos have installed catwalks high above the casino floor to allow surveillance personnel to monitor the area. The glass used in these catwalks is one-way, which makes it impossible for anyone to peek through it. Aside from using CCTV, casinos also have security cameras to keep patrons and staff safe. In addition to surveillance and other safety measures, casinos have also lowered their minimum age requirements. The gambling industry is a highly lucrative industry for many companies.
The casino game selection is also extensive. Slot machines are the most popular game in casinos. In 2008, over half of casino gamblers preferred slot machines or electronic gaming devices over traditional slot machines. In comparison, blackjack, roulette and craps were second and third. In the United Kingdom, licensed gambling clubs operate since 1960. In France, casinos became legal in 1933, and France boasts several world-class European casino establishments. A few other types of casino games may be found in the United States, including online casinos.