A casino is a facility that provides entertainment, dining and gambling. It is usually located near hotels, resorts, shopping malls and other tourist attractions.
Gambling History
While there are a number of games that can be played at casinos, including blackjack and poker, slot machines and video poker are the most popular. These machines are easy to use and generate high volumes of revenue.
Security
Today, the majority of casinos employ a combination of physical and specialized surveillance departments to ensure safety and prevent crime. They also monitor gaming activities and the integrity of the games themselves.
Casino Management
The primary job of a casino manager is to manage the gaming floor and ensure that it runs smoothly. Typically, these managers have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a similar field.
Comps
Most casinos offer “comps” to their customers in the form of free meals, hotel rooms, show tickets, or limo service. These programs are designed to encourage people to visit and spend more money.
Players can earn comps by playing certain games or by spending a specific amount of time at a particular game table. These programs can be used to track game preferences and to develop a patron database that is invaluable for marketing purposes.
The casino industry is a major source of jobs for the United States, generating nearly $80 billion in annual revenue. In 2008, 24% of Americans reported having visited a casino in the previous year. This is an increase from 20% in 1989, which was the lowest participation rate.