The Casino of the Twenty-First Century

In the twenty-first century, casinos have become more selective and focus their investment on high rollers. These high rollers spend far more than the average gambler and play in special rooms separate from the casino’s main floor. The stakes of high rollers can amount to several tens of thousands of dollars. The casinos make a huge profit from high rollers, and they usually receive opulent inducements, like free drinks and cigarettes.

The casinos employ elaborate surveillance systems to monitor patron behavior. Each table and doorway is watched by a camera. The camera can be adjusted to target a suspect patron. Video feeds are recorded for later review. Casinos also monitor the payouts of slot machines, which are determined by computer chips inside the machines. While there is no human on the slot floor, these computers are constantly on alert to identify anomalies. This gives casino staff an advantage over the competition.

The number of casino games is also increasing. The industry has over twelve billion dollars a year, and it’s predicted that the number will grow exponentially. Online casinos have become the game of the rich. Buffett himself has claimed that the modern trend has made casino games an elite sport. In this way, casinos can attract those who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to play. It is not easy to become a savvy player in a game that is so regulated.