While many people love the thrill of gambling, many casinos also risk the safety of their patrons. A casino’s security system is made up of multiple layers of defense. For example, surveillance cameras are strategically installed in every window and doorway to monitor activity. Video feeds are recorded for later review. While casinos do make money from gambling, the negative effects of gambling addiction and compulsive gambling are not considered a positive economic impact. While casinos attract local players, the losses to the local economy stem from the costs associated with treating problem gamblers and the productivity lost by those who suffer from addiction.
To combat this problem, casinos use sophisticated technology to monitor activity and identify potential risks. Many casinos employ computers and video cameras to monitor games. Another technology used by casinos is chip tracking, a practice of inserting microcircuitry into betting chips that allows casinos to monitor players’ wagers minute-by-minute. Roulette wheels are also monitored regularly for statistical deviations. Enclosed versions of casino games such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette use buttons rather than dealers to facilitate betting and the game itself.
While there are still some casinos that have not made the transition from illegal gambling to legalized gambling, the legality of gambling in the United States has become less of a concern. A number of hotel chains and real estate investors have stepped in to take control of the industry. Hilton and Donald Trump have owned several casinos, and they’ve begun to run them without the help of mobsters. Because of federal crackdowns, the mob’s involvement in casinos is less prevalent than before.
