A casino is a place where people can play games of chance for money. Some casinos offer a wide variety of gambling games, while others specialize in one particular type of game. Casinos are usually based in tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City, but some also operate on Native American reservations or other locations that are exempt from state gambling laws.
Gambling is a social activity, and casinos are designed around noise, light and excitement to stimulate gamblers and increase their confidence. The glitz and glamour of casinos attracts many tourists, and they make billions in profits each year. While music shows, shopping centers, lighted fountains and elaborate hotels help draw in the crowds, it is the gambling that really keeps the money rolling in for the owners.
Because so much cash is handled within a casino, security is a high priority. Cameras located throughout the facility help to deter theft and cheating, and they can be adjusted to focus on specific patrons if necessary. In addition to cameras, casino personnel keep an eye on each table and slot machine to watch for suspicious behavior.
Some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down through one way glass at the activities on the floor below. Casinos use bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings to stimulate the senses of their customers, and red is a popular color because it is thought to cause people to lose track of time.