A casino is a facility where certain games of chance are played. It is also a place where gambling is regulated and the rules of play are clearly defined. The etymology of the word casino dates back to Italy where it once referred to a villa or summerhouse, but it now means a gambling establishment.
Casino Security
A casino employs a combination of physical and specialized security personnel to protect its assets. The physical security force patrols the property, responding to calls for assistance and reporting suspicious activities. The specialized surveillance department operates a closed circuit television system that allows the casino to monitor all of its guests and respond to any unusual activity.
Game Selection
The games of choice at a casino range from blackjack and roulette to slot machines. Many are based on mathematical probability, offering an expected profit or loss to the casino.
Economically, the biggest money maker at a casino is slots. These are typically programmable, and the establishment can adjust them to match the desired profits.
Increasingly, casinos are also inventing new games to attract more gamblers. The addition of elements like a fishing-themed slot machine, a poker tournament or the competition of Blackjack adds to the excitement of playing and increases the odds of winning.
A player who is a frequent winner at the casino may be rewarded with extra bonuses, loyalty gifts and cashback. Often, these are called comps and can be in the form of free hotel rooms, dinners, tickets to shows or even limo service and airline tickets.