Casinos have long been known for providing perks and incentives to make their patrons spend more money. These perks, called “comps”, are meant to encourage players to gamble more and to increase their spending. In the 1970s, free buffets, show tickets, and discounted travel packages were common in Las Vegas casinos. The goal was to maximize the number of people visiting the city and filling the casino floor and hotel rooms.

The first thing that a first-time visitor to a casino should know is that the place can be confusing. The vast open space of a casino and the fact that everyone knows everyone else in the room are factors that can make it difficult to navigate the casino. Fortunately, there are some tips to help you navigate the casino.

Many casinos use video cameras and computers to monitor their gaming areas. Some even install microcircuitry in the betting chips that allow the casino to monitor every bet minute by minute. The roulette wheel is also routinely monitored for statistical deviations. During the 1990s, casinos began developing wholly automated casino games. These machines don’t require dealers, and can even be adjusted to give players the desired profit.

Casino security starts on the floor of the casino. Dealers and other employees monitor game patrons, and can quickly spot anyone blatantly cheating. Other employees, called pit bosses, watch over the table games. These workers also look for betting patterns that may indicate cheating.