A casino is a place for people to play games of chance and to win money. It also provides entertainment and food. The main goal of a casino is to encourage players to gamble and stay longer, thus increasing the amount of money they will spend.
Unlike most gambling establishments, casinos have an element of social interaction. They are designed to be noisy and bright, with a lot of activity and action. The games of chance are the key draw, generating the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year. Musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate themes help attract visitors.
The lighting and noise are designed to stimulate the brain and increase excitement. Often, the walls are decorated with bright, gaudy colors such as red, which is believed to make people lose track of time. Casinos do not display clocks, because they would be a fire hazard. Many casinos are staffed with people who shout encouragement to the gamblers. The tables and games are watched by casino employees who keep a close eye on patrons to catch cheating or other violations. Casinos also have an “eye-in-the-sky” surveillance system that monitors every table, window and doorway with cameras mounted in the ceiling.
The target audience for a casino is generally older adults with above-average incomes and more free time to gamble. The majority of casino revenue comes from high rollers, who are rewarded with comps such as free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows and even limo service or airline seats.