A casino is a building or room where gambling activities are carried out. Modern casinos often feature a variety of games and offer high stakes betting. They may also include restaurants, stage shows and dramatic scenery. Some of the largest casinos in the world are renowned for their luxury and sophistication. Others have become famous for their iconic fountains and the movie Ocean’s 11.
The casino industry has grown rapidly as disposable incomes have risen worldwide. The market is estimated to reach USD 126.3 Billion by 2025. The top 10 casino brands are focusing on international expansion to take advantage of the growth in demand from consumers in the Asia Pacific region.
Despite the huge amounts of money that pass through casinos, there is still a risk of fraud and theft by staff or patrons. This is why casinos have strict security measures. Elaborate surveillance systems provide a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” by monitoring every table, window and doorway with cameras that can be refocused to zoom in on suspicious patrons. Some casinos have catwalks above the casino floor, which allow surveillance workers to look down directly through one-way glass on the activities of the tables and slot machines.
Although the casino business can be very profitable, there are critics who point out that it erodes the quality of life in the surrounding community and is detrimental to property values. Furthermore, studies indicate that about five percent of casino patrons are addicted gamblers who generate a disproportionate amount of profits for the casino.