Despite the positive economic impact of casinos, there are also some downsides to gambling. Gamblers are known to engage in theft, cheating, and scamming, but casinos invest large sums in their security. They also have to deal with large numbers of patrons, who may be inclined to engage in questionable activities.
A casino provides a variety of games of chance. The term traces its origins to Italy, where the word ‘casino’ originally meant a villa, summerhouse, or social club. Later, the term was associated with different pleasurable activities and games of chance. Today’s casinos are modern and feature a variety of recreational activities in addition to gambling.
To prevent cheating, casinos employ elaborate surveillance systems. Cameras are installed throughout the casino, and are used to monitor all casino patrons and games. Dealers keep an eye on the games, and pit bosses and table managers monitor the tables for suspicious activity. The video feeds are recorded and can be analyzed after an event. Casinos also use computer chips to determine the payouts on slot machines. By identifying patterns, surveillance personnel can more quickly detect suspicious behavior.
Modern casinos employ a specialized surveillance and security department. The former patrols the casino floor and responds to calls for assistance, while the latter runs the closed circuit television system (CCTV). Both departments work together to protect the casino and its assets. These measures have proven quite effective in preventing crime.