Security at a casino begins with routines and patterns. Dealers shuffle the cards and deal them out, slot machines have betting spots on the table, and there are other predictable motions and movements. These patterns make it easier to detect behavior that is suspicious. Even if no one is actively watching the slot floor, security personnel monitor it constantly to catch suspicious activity. These patterns are what make casinos so safe. A casino’s surveillance system is essential to preventing petty crimes and protecting its patrons.
A casino’s design is often a reflection of its patrons’ personality. It should be welcoming to both male and female visitors. High rollers typically spend more than the average gambler, and they usually gamble in special rooms separated from the main casino floor. They often play for tens of thousands of dollars, and they receive numerous perks. Complimentary items and services are common at casinos, but the focus is not solely on the perks for the wealthy. For example, in the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos became famous for providing free show tickets, cheap buffets, and discounted travel packages. These perks helped casinos attract a large number of people to their city. That way, they could fill up the casino floor with people and increase their revenue.
The establishment of casinos in Nevada began in the 1950s, but antigambling laws prevented many legitimate businessmen from investing in them. Despite the legality of casinos in other states, organized crime figures were eager to cash in on the casino business, and they didn’t care about its unsavory image. Eventually, mafia money began to flow into Las Vegas and Reno, and even took part in the establishment of a casino or two.