A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Often casinos are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and even theme parks. There are 340 casinos in Nevada, and many other states have legalized gambling as well.
The casino business is a high-risk venture because all games have built in advantages for the house that, over time, add up to a significant percentage of the money wagered. Because of this, casinos are required to maintain very strict security to prevent cheating and theft by both patrons and employees.
Casinos also generate revenue by offering perks to “good” players. These are called comps and can include free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets and limo service. The amount of time and money a patron spends at a casino is also taken into account when determining a player’s comp level.
In recent years, the casino industry has made a concerted effort to improve customer service. This has resulted in a number of innovations such as new gaming machines with faster payouts and better sound quality, and the use of brighter colors throughout the casino to stimulate people’s senses.
In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. According to a study by Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS, a large percentage of gambling dollars are spent on slot machines. Casinos also offer a variety of other entertainment options such as golf courses, circus acts and live music.