It is common knowledge that a casino’s revenues are disproportionately affected by its high rollers. As a result, casinos focus much of their attention and resources on these players, who often gamble in private rooms away from the main casino floor. Their stakes often top several hundred thousand dollars. This is the reason why casinos are often criticized for having a negative impact on local economies. Although they typically attract local players, these casinos divert spending from other forms of entertainment, such as theaters and restaurants. Moreover, they incur expenses for treating problem gamblers and lose productivity.
As a result, there is a high concentration of casinos in the United States. The number of casinos is steadily increasing, with over 1,000 operating throughout the country. More states are considering legalizing casino gambling, which has been driven by competition on Interstate highways. Larger cities, however, are not defined by their casino populations. The Las Vegas Valley is home to the highest concentration of casinos, followed by Atlantic City and the Chicago region. The Las Vegas Valley is the largest city for casinos in the U.S., while Atlantic City and the Chicago region are among the highest revenue generators.
Another way casinos protect themselves is by installing elaborate surveillance systems. These systems monitor every corner of the casino, making it easier to spot suspicious patrons. For example, dealers shuffle cards, deal cards, and place betting spots on the table. All of these actions are predictable and are accompanied by video feeds that can be reviewed later. In addition to surveillance, casinos also install ATM machines. This means that there are fewer people monitoring the slot floors.