A casino is a gambling establishment where gamblers place bets on various events and are then paid according to the odds of winning. Some casinos specialize in certain games, such as poker or blackjack, and others are more generalized. The casinos attract customers by offering a variety of incentives, including free rooms, meals, and drinks. The perks are designed to encourage gamblers and reward those who spend the most money. Some casinos also have a strong social component and are known as entertainment centers.
A large number of people enjoy casino gambling. According to a 2002 poll conducted for the American Gaming Association by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. and the Luntz Research Companies, 92% of respondents went casino gambling at least once in the previous year. When asked which game they enjoyed most, the majority of survey respondents selected slot machines. Table games (including roulette and craps) were second most popular. Bingo and keno were less popular. The most popular casino games are those that are easy to learn and play quickly, with low house edges and high payouts.
Casinos are usually divided into two different security departments: a physical force that patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity, and a specialized department that operates a closed circuit television system known as “the eye in the sky.” The casinos rely heavily on this technology to protect their valuable assets, patrons, and employees.