A casino is a place where people gamble by playing games of chance, or in some cases, games with some element of skill. Most casinos feature table games like roulette, craps, blackjack and baccarat, but some also include electronic gaming machines. Casinos rely on the mathematical advantage of these games to bring in millions of dollars in profit every year. Casinos hire mathematicians and computer programmers who specialize in gaming analysis to develop these mathematical calculations, and also create the software for the tables and slot machines.
The mathematical edge that a casino has over its patrons varies by game, but it is small enough that over time a casino will not lose money to players. This virtual guarantee of gross profits allows casinos to spend lavishly on elaborate hotels, fountains, shopping centers and themed buildings. They also reward big bettors with free hotel rooms, meals and tickets to shows, and even limo service and airline tickets.
Casino security starts on the floor, where dealers and pit bosses watch over each table to make sure no one is cheating by palming cards or changing dice. Casinos also employ surveillance systems that allow them to keep an eye on all the activity, with cameras mounted in catwalks over each table and slot machine. They can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons by security workers in a separate room filled with banks of monitors. Alternatively, the casino may use a system of one-way mirrors to monitor the gambling action without letting the patron know that they are being watched.