Casino Security

Something about casinos – perhaps the fact that large amounts of money are handled inside them – encourages people to cheat and steal, whether in collusion or independently. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time, effort and money on security.

Often, it starts with the dealers and pit bosses. They watch over the table games and keep an eye on the patrons to make sure everything goes as it should. This allows them to spot blatant cheating (like palming or marking cards) and betting patterns that could signal cheating. They also work to keep a close eye on the casino’s overall revenue and losses.

More sophisticated security measures usually involve technology. For example, slot machines are wired to a central computer so that they can be monitored minute by minute for statistical deviations; and roulette wheels are electronically watched for suspicious spins. These measures don’t necessarily stop all crime, but they make it much harder for casino employees to get away with illegal activity.

Despite their high-tech surveillance systems, casinos are still a place for gamblers to try their luck at a variety of different games. In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos (based on revenues) and many more in other countries. Whether you prefer to play blackjack, slot machines or poker, there’s a casino for you.