A casino is an establishment where gamblers can try their hand at games of chance such as blackjack, poker and roulette. Often, they are offered a variety of food and drinks. There are also entertainment options such as stage shows and dramatic scenery. Some casinos even offer limo service or airline tickets for the big spenders.
Generally, the game of choice at a casino is slots. These machines have a mathematical expectancy that gives the casino a virtual assurance of gross profit. When someone hits a big jackpot, the lights flash and music blare, making other patrons cheer. However, most big wins don’t occur often enough to make up for the losses that are incurred.
Something about the atmosphere of a casino encourages people to cheat, steal and scam their way into a winning jackpot. This is probably why casinos put a large amount of time and money into security. Security starts on the gambling floor, where dealers keep their eyes peeled for blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the game and can detect betting patterns that may indicate cheating.
A childhood friend once worked security at a casino and had to quit after 3 months as it became too depressing. He told me that some people stood at slot machines soiling themselves because they believed they were on a winning streak. In spite of these negatives, a casino is still a fun place to visit. Champagne glasses clink and the sound of coins clinking creates an energetic buzz that can’t be found elsewhere.