A casino’s security starts on the floor, with employees keeping watch over the games and patrons. They keep an eye on suspicious behavior and can spot it in the dealer, who is trained to be on his toes and spot the telltale signs of cheating. Other security personnel include pit bosses and table managers, who monitor the table games and watch for betting patterns. In addition, the casino’s computer chips randomly determine payouts at the slot machines.

The casino’s mathematics also plays a role in its success. The house advantage is the casino’s mathematical expectation of winning on a game. Because of this, casinos can offer extravagant inducements, such as free cigarettes and reduced fare transportation to big bettors. But casino owners and managers must not limit their profit potential by ignoring the basic principles of casino mathematics.

In the 1990s, casinos began to incorporate technology into their operations. Video cameras and computers monitor game activity, while ‘chip tracking’ uses betting chips with built-in microcircuitry. This allows casinos to keep track of wagers minute-by-minute. Roulette wheels are also monitored regularly for statistical deviations. Some casinos have even installed enclosed versions of their games, meaning that the dealers do not need to handle the games.

Casinos are now widely available online. As the Internet is getting faster and cheaper, the popularity of these sites is rising. Online gaming sites are available at almost any location and can rival land-based gambling venues.