A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance and some that have an element of skill. It also offers other amenities like restaurants, bars, entertainment and top-notch hotels. While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers may add to the attraction of a casino, it would not exist without games of chance that provide the billions in profits raked in by casinos every year. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat are the primary gambling games in most casinos.
In the past, casino owners often relied on mobsters to provide them with money to operate. Mob money helped draw people to Las Vegas and Reno, where it was legal to gamble and where mobster cash flowed freely. But as mob involvement grew more personal, with some mobsters taking sole or partial ownership of casinos and even controlling their operations (especially in Nevada), legitimate businessmen became more reluctant to take on the taint of the gambling industry’s seamy image.
Modern casino security starts on the floor, where employees keep a close eye on players and their actions. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating (like palming or marking cards) and other suspicious behavior. Table managers and pit bosses look over the tables with a wider view, watching for betting patterns that could indicate cheating. Cameras, audio systems and other technological devices help maintain security. Some casinos also have staff dedicated to tracking cheaters and escorting them out of the casino.