A Casino is an establishment that caters to the needs of those seeking a thrill. Gamblers are generally prone to compulsive behavior, and casinos are not exempted from this problem. Statistical studies show that only about five percent of casino patrons are addicted to gambling. These patrons account for 25 percent of total casino profits. Economic studies have shown that casinos are not good for local economies, because they primarily attract local players and divert spending away from other forms of entertainment. Moreover, the cost of treatment for problem gamblers and lost productivity associated with gambling addiction can outweigh any economic benefits derived from casinos.
The National Profile Study was conducted by Roper Reports GfK NOP and included face-to-face interviews with 2,000 adult respondents. A similar study was conducted by the U.S. Gaming Panel, which included a questionnaire mailed to approximately one hundred thousand adults. In both surveys, 57205 responded. Harrah’s Entertainment found that the typical casino player was a 46-year-old female from an upper middle-class household. Older people are more likely to visit a casino than younger people, and older parents are more likely to have time for recreational activities.
Security in a casino starts on the floor, where employees keep an eye on patrons and games. Dealers and pit bosses watch each table and make sure that they don’t cheat. They also monitor betting patterns and are trained to spot cheating. Each employee has a superior who keeps track of them and reports any suspicious behavior to authorities. They have access to video feeds that can be reviewed by security personnel. In addition to video surveillance, computer chips in the machines are the only way to determine the payouts of slot machines.