There is no denying that many people are addicted to gambling, but casinos are also making disproportionate profits from those addicted to gambling. Some estimates indicate that only five percent of casino patrons are addicted, and these people generate 25 percent of their revenue. Other studies have shown that casinos actually reduce the value of local entertainment because they draw primarily local players, shifting their spending from other sources. These economic benefits are often offset by the high costs of treating problem gamblers and the loss of productivity caused by gambling addiction.
Many casinos focus on attracting high rollers, a group of gamblers who spend more money than the average player. High rollers generally gamble in separate rooms away from the casino’s main floor. Their stakes are often in the tens of thousands of dollars. The high rollers make the casinos’ profits, and they get a lot of perks to make their spending worthwhile. High rollers also receive free luxury suites and a lot of personal attention.
The casinos have elaborate surveillance systems that allow security personnel to monitor the entire casino. Video feeds from cameras in the ceiling can be adjusted to focus on the behavior of suspicious patrons. The video feeds are stored for review later. While the casino employees can’t always keep a watch on the slot floor, they can monitor the casino from afar. Aside from surveillance, the casino also provides various incentives to big bettors. These incentives may include reduced-fare transportation, free drinks, or even cigarettes.
