The Importance of Casino Security
A casino (also known as a gambling house or a gaming room) is an establishment offering various forms of gambling. The most common such games include card games, dice, roulette and more. Many casinos also offer entertainment and dining options. Some are integrated into hotels, resorts, or cruise ships.
While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers may lure visitors to the doors of a casino, the vast majority of the billions in profits earned by U.S. casinos each year come from the playing of games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and baccarat provide the excitement that draws in the crowds—and the profits.
Casinos have always been a popular destination for people seeking a chance at winning big money. There are even some that are devoted solely to sports betting, where gamblers can place bets on their favorite teams. However, something about gambling (probably the presence of large amounts of money) seems to encourage some players to cheat or steal, whether in collusion with other patrons or simply on their own. That’s why casinos spend a great deal of time, effort and money on security.
In addition to employing a dedicated physical security force, modern casinos often have a specialized surveillance department that operates a casino’s closed circuit television system (the “eye in the sky”) and monitors all activity in and out of the casino floor. This technology allows casino staff to spot and respond quickly to suspicious or definite criminal behavior.
Another important aspect of casino security is understanding the nature and behavior of typical casino patrons. While most people who visit casinos are not out to cheat or steal, some do and they will try whatever they can to get an edge over the house. That’s why casino security is designed around a system of patterns, routines and actions that are expected to occur in each game; this makes it easier for security personnel to spot out-of-the-ordinary behavior.
The term casino is derived from the Italian word for “little farm,” meaning a small place where food and drink were served. The casino as a recreational facility first appeared in Europe in the second half of the 19th century and has since become one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, especially in Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. Casinos in Macau and Singapore are examples of more recent developments. Gambling in a casino is legal in many countries, although the laws are regulated and vary from country to country. Some prohibit casinos altogether, while others restrict the type of gambling offered and the number of tables. Other restrictions include age and location of the casino. In some places, casinos are required to operate under a special license. In these cases, the casino must meet certain requirements and be subject to regular inspections by the local government. This ensures that the casino is operating legally and in accordance with local laws. This is especially important because casinos are typically major employers and generate significant tax revenues.
