The number of Americans who visited a casino in the past year is at an all-time high. That’s up from just 20% in 1989, but it is still considerably lower than the number who visited in 2008. In 1989, only 24% of Americans had college degrees, while 28% had at least an associate’s degree. Nearly half of all Americans had never attended college. In addition, the casino industry has experienced a decline in attendance and overall revenue over the past three years.
As a result, casinos have implemented a variety of measures to ensure that their patrons stay happy and safe. Casinos typically monitor patrons’ play on a computer and video camera. A practice known as “chip tracking” involves betting chips with built-in microcircuitry. Casinos can monitor the results of wagers minute-by-minute. Moreover, they routinely monitor roulette wheels to detect statistical deviations. Incentives to gamblers include free drinks, cigarettes, and even reduced transportation.
The house edge of a casino is a key factor in gambling. The house gains more money for every unit of play, thus grinding a player into near-insolvency. For this reason, casinos often lack windows or clocks, which make it difficult for players to determine the time. While free drinks may be tempting for first-timers, they can also cost them. Moreover, intoxication can make one less observant when betting.