Casino Security

A casino, also known as a gambling hall or a gaming establishment, is a building or room where people can engage in gambling. Casinos are most commonly associated with the United States, but the activity has been popular in Europe for centuries. They are usually regulated and heavily guarded, as patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal. In addition, the large amounts of money handled by casinos make them prone to robbery and other security breaches.

Most modern casinos have a security force that patrols the premises and a specialized surveillance department that operates a closed circuit television system (known as the eye in the sky) to monitor activities and alert management of potential problems. In addition, a significant portion of modern casino security is dedicated to the use of computerized systems that track and verify game results and statistical deviations from expected behavior.

These computerized systems allow casinos to quickly identify and report any suspicious or definite criminal activity. Many casinos also have catwalks over the gambling area, which allow surveillance personnel to look directly down on games from above through one way glass.

Casinos generate billions of dollars in profit each year by providing gamblers with a wide variety of games of chance, such as slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps, and keno. In addition, some casinos offer free drinks and food while players are gambling. Although some gamblers win big at the casinos, the vast majority lose.