Casinos have long been the stuff of legend and saga. Their glitz and glamour have been evoked by films like “Oceans 11” (starring the Rat Pack) in the 1960s, as well as more recent remakes starring George Clooney. There are millions of tables, one-armed bandits, and five-star food and entertainment in casinos across the world, and many of them are also the place where the rich meet the poor become the rich.
Since every game in a casino has a mathematical expectation of winning, casinos use these odds to increase their profits. During the 1990s, casinos began using technology to ensure fair play. For instance, video cameras and computers now routinely monitor the games. Additionally, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry are monitored for minute-by-minute wagers, which allows casinos to keep track of customer and staff health. Even roulette wheels are regularly monitored to check for statistical deviations. In some cases, the casino offers enclosed versions of games, which require players to push buttons to bet.
As with most businesses, casinos take steps to protect themselves and patrons from fraudulent activity. These activities include fraudulently using stolen credit cards or counterfeiting casino chips. In order to prevent these activities, casinos must make sure that they check IDs to ensure patrons are of legal age to gamble. They must also have security equipment to monitor the casino’s buildings and employees. These technologies may include surveillance cameras, security monitors, and paper shredders.