A casino is an establishment that offers games of chance for money. While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers all help draw in visitors, the billions of dollars in profits casinos bring in every year come from games like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker and craps.
The modern casino is much more than a place to gamble. It’s a high-tech, immersive experience. It’s a glitzy world of pulsing lights, flashing screens and throbbing music, where players shout encouragement to their rivals and waiters keep the alcohol flowing.
During the 1990s casinos dramatically increased their use of technology to supervise games. Chip tracking enables casinos to monitor the exact amount wagered minute by minute, and video cameras and computers can spot irregularities in game play. In addition, table chips have microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems to oversee the total amount bet per hand and warn if a player is exceeding his or her limit.
Casinos also rely on customer service to encourage gamblers and lure them back again and again. They offer free drinks, hotel rooms, show tickets and other perks to encourage gambling. They also promote responsible gambling, allowing players to set limits on their deposits and bets and to access charitable foundations for support and advice.