The casino industry is one that offers more than just games of chance. There are restaurants, free drinks and stage shows that all play a part in helping to attract players and keep them coming back for more. Many movies that revolve around gambling have realistic casino scenes. While these might be over-the-top for most viewers, they are a part of the overall feel that these movies try to portray.
The movie Casino is an epic tale about the rise of organized crime in Las Vegas and how they were able to control the city’s gaming business for decades. However, the mob eventually lost control to real estate investors and hotel chains. This was due to federal crackdowns and the ability for owners to lose their licenses if even the slightest hint of mob involvement was found.
In the modern casino, surveillance is a big deal. Elaborate systems allow security to monitor every table, window and doorway. The cameras are constantly changing, and can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons. There are also a number of other surveillance techniques that help to prevent cheating and other types of criminal activity. These include the observation of player habits and patterns, a look at the locations of the betting spots on the tables, and the expected reactions and movements of players.
Unlike Internet gambling, where people can play in privacy and without the social interaction of other players, casino gambling is a highly social activity. Patrons are surrounded by other players, often shouting encouragement to each other and their opponents. They are given a wide selection of casino games, and are provided with drinks and snacks by a host of roving waiters.