A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and some that require a certain level of skill. It’s often associated with glitz and glamour, but it can also be seedy and dark. Gambling is a complex activity that involves weighing risk and reward, wise decisions, and a bit of luck. It’s no wonder that casinos spend a large amount of money on security.

Aside from the usual security personnel (who are constantly patrolling), most casinos use sophisticated surveillance systems. These “eyes in the sky” allow security workers to monitor each and every table, window, and doorway of a casino at once. They can easily adjust the cameras to focus on suspicious patrons. In addition, the surveillance system records each patron’s actions to identify any cheating or other irregularities.

Another level of security is less visible but just as important. Most casino games follow certain patterns and routines, so it’s easy for security people to spot anything out of the ordinary. For instance, the way dealers shuffle cards and deal them and how players bet follows certain patterns. The fact that most casino games have a mathematically determined house edge means that the odds are against gamblers, but casino security is always on guard.

While some gamblers may prefer a more intimate setting, others enjoy the ambiance and luxury of a big city casino. Fortunately, there are many options available in the United States. Check out the map below to find legal land-based casinos near you.