Something about casinos (maybe it’s the money) seems to encourage people to cheat or steal. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time and effort on security.

In modern casinos security is usually divided between a physical security force and a specialized department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as the eye in the sky. A casino’s security staff watches the monitors constantly to spot suspicious or criminal activity. Generally, the monitors also display a blotchy picture of the entire casino that can be zoomed in on to focus on specific patrons.

Various types of casino games exist worldwide, but the most common are slot machines and table games like blackjack and roulette. Casinos usually make the largest portion of their money from these games. The game play in a slot machine is simple: The player inserts a coin or paper ticket with barcode, pulls a handle, or pushes a button; varying bands of colored shapes roll on reels (actually physical reels or a video representation of them) and, if the right pattern emerges, the player receives a predetermined amount of money. There is no skill involved in playing a slot machine, so it is unlikely that the player will win more than he or she has spent.

Casinos can be very dangerous places, especially for gamblers and their families. In addition to the obvious danger of gambling addiction, there is the possibility of mob interference in casino operations, which has led some casinos to hire private detective firms to keep the Mafia away from their gaming cash cows. However, the massive profits of casinos and the threat of losing their licenses if they are suspected of mob involvement have kept most legitimate casino business out of the hands of organized crime.