Modern casinos have become indoor amusement parks. They are decorated with elaborate themes and provide billions of dollars in revenue each year. Casinos rely on games of chance to generate the majority of their income. Blackjack, roulette, and slot machines are among the most popular games, while baccarat and craps are also popular. While gambling is a major draw to casinos, the darker side of casinos is also evident. Here are some facts about casinos and their players:
Gambling in casinos was illegal for most of the nation’s history, but the late-1970s saw casinos open in Atlantic City. Tribal groups began to convert small bingo halls into casinos, and other states followed suit. In the 1990s, nine states legalized casino gambling. Native American tribes also opened casinos. While legalized gambling in New Jersey was slow to take hold, the industry has grown exponentially. In fact, casino gambling is now the largest industry in the country.
In addition to having security guards, casinos employ surveillance systems. These systems can detect criminal activity on the casino floor, including a casino’s patrons. Surveillance personnel can monitor these systems from one end or the other through one-way glass. Casinos use this system to prevent theft and other crimes. In addition, casino surveillance is more effective than ever. There are even casinos that have catwalks over the casino floor. This allows them to watch over their customers while they play their favorite games.