Casino Security
To make a profit, the casino has to be profitable. To attract high rollers, it invests in special rooms separate from the main casino floor, where patrons can place bets that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. High rollers are usually the most expensive customers, and the casinos regularly offer them extravagant inducements such as reduced-fare transportation and free drinks and cigarettes. High rollers also have access to high-end luxury suites and VIP treatment.
The modern casino security consists of two departments: the physical security force and the specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance. The latter oversees the closed-circuit television system, or CCTV, which serves as the casino’s “eye in the sky.” These two departments work closely together to keep guests safe and protect the property of the casino. They have been quite effective in doing this. But the casinos are not without their share of problems.
The United States has more than a thousand casinos. These numbers continue to rise as more states seek to legalize the gambling industry. As of 2016, forty states have legalized casinos. Most casinos are located in major metropolitan areas, but some are outside of the greater metropolitan areas. In terms of number of casinos, the Las Vegas Valley, the Atlantic City region, and the Chicago metropolitan area all have several. While the Las Vegas area is home to the largest concentration of casinos, the Atlantic City and Chicago regions are a close second.