The words casino invoke visions of bright lights, big money and plenty of chances to win it all. From the glitz of Las Vegas and Atlantic City to tiny mountain towns that host 19th century Wild West buildings stuffed with poker tables and slot machines, casinos are found all over the United States. And it’s not just about gambling: casinos have restaurants, hotels and non-gambling game rooms. Some have stage shows and dramatic scenery.
Casinos make money by taking a percentage of the bets made by players, a practice known as vigorish or rake. They also earn money from a percentage of the pay-outs of video poker and other games where there is an element of skill, and from the taxes on winnings on table games and a fee (called a vig) on the total amount of bets placed at a roulette wheel or blackjack table.
In addition, casinos employ a lot of people in security-related positions. Dealers keep a close eye on patrons to spot any cheating and other suspicious behavior, while pit bosses and table managers have a more broader view of the tables and can track betting patterns that might indicate a conspiracy to cheat. Casinos also invest in elaborate surveillance systems to provide an “eye-in-the-sky” look at the entire casino floor and monitor each table, window and doorway.
Gambling is not for everyone, and it’s important to walk into a casino with a budget of how much you are willing to lose and stick to that number. It’s also important to be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction and know where to get help if needed.