The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with a dazzling variety of entertainment options and profit-generating games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno provide the billions of dollars in profits casinos rake in each year. While musical shows, lighted fountains and lavish hotels all add to the atmosphere, casinos would not exist without these games of chance.
In 2008, 24% of American adults reported visiting a casino. The majority of those who gambled at the time favored slots. Other preferred games included poker, blackjack, baccarat and roulette.
Casinos also earn a substantial amount of money from their patrons through comps (complimentary or discounted food, drinks and shows). In exchange for their play, casino patrons swipe cards that are electronically tracked to record their activity. The data is used by casino employees to track patterns and identify trends in game preferences and spending.
The casino industry has dramatically increased its use of technology in recent years. For example, casino security officers now regularly monitor the activities of casino patrons using video cameras. In addition, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to monitor exact amounts wagered minute by minute and to detect any statistical deviations. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored to ensure that they are not tampered with, and the results of casino card games are reviewed to detect any manipulation.