Despite their flashy lights, giveaways and bling, casinos would not exist without the billions in profits generated by gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, poker and other games of chance provide the bulk of casino income. Other gambling-related activities, such as concerts and shows, also contribute to the casinos’ bottom line.
While some games do require skill, many are purely based on chance and mathematical expectancy. Some of the more popular games are keno, baccarat and craps. However, there are a number of strategies that can be used to increase one’s chances of winning at these games. These strategies are numbers-based and can boost a gambler’s odds by decreasing the house edge.
Casinos have developed an elaborate system of surveillance to prevent cheating and other improprieties. High-tech eye-in-the-sky systems allow security personnel to monitor every table, window and doorway from a central control room. In addition to video cameras, some casinos use electronic surveillance systems that can track individual gaming chips (in games such as roulette), watch and record dice rolls in games of chance, or monitor the results of automated slot machines.
Most casinos reward loyal patrons with free goods and services, known as comps. These can include food, drinks and hotel rooms, as well as show tickets, limo service or airline tickets. The amount of money a patron spends and the games played are used to determine the player’s tier status and VIP level, which determines the number of comps the patron receives.