When most people think of Casino, they picture the glittering megaresorts on the Las Vegas Strip-an environment where flashy lights, fun, and gambling are the prevailing themes. But a casino is actually much more than that. It is any building or room where a game of chance, usually involving a small stake, is played.
Modern casinos are highly sophisticated, with elaborate security systems and the latest in technology. For example, a system called chip tracking allows casinos to know precisely how many chips are being wagered minute by minute and warn them quickly of any suspicious activity. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any statistical deviation from their expected results. And video cameras can be set up to observe gamblers, allowing casinos to track their behavior and identify compulsive gamblers.
Despite their glitz and glamour, the business of a casino is essentially one of profit and loss. Successful casinos rake in billions of dollars each year for the corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. They also make a significant contribution to state and local tax coffers.
Most casinos feature a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, and slots. However, a few games have become particularly popular. A survey conducted by Gemini Research in Nevada asked gamblers which casino games they preferred to play. More than half of those surveyed chose slot machines; the second most popular choice was card games such as blackjack and poker.
