Is Casino Gambling Acceptable?
A casino is a place where a variety of games of chance are played for money or other prizes. Casinos usually add luxuries such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows to attract customers. They also invest a great deal of time and money in security because the presence of large sums of money makes them a target for people wanting to cheat, steal or scam their way to the jackpot.
Modern casinos employ a wide range of technology to improve their operations and keep track of patrons. For example, some betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems in tables to allow casinos to monitor the exact amounts being wagered minute by minute and to discover quickly any statistical deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any “anomalies.” Video cameras and computerized surveillance are used for general security as well.
According to the American Gaming Association, casino gambling is considered acceptable by a majority of Americans. The Association presents the results of annual surveys it commissions by Roper ASW and Luntz Research Companies regarding casino gambling. These surveys include interviews with 2,000 American adults. The 2004 survey, entitled State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment, indicates that 54% of respondents consider casino gambling to be acceptable. When asked which game they enjoyed most, a large percentage of respondents selected slot machines. Other popular games included baccarat, blackjack, and poker (trente et quarante). Table games such as roulette and craps and gambling on sports and racing events were less attractive to gamblers.