Casinos have become an integral part of many of the world’s most popular party cities, drawing millions of visitors annually to play games of chance and watch entertainment. While musical shows, lighted fountains, hotels and shopping centers help lure in gamblers, casinos would not exist without the billions in profits generated by games like slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette and craps.

In addition to relying on the innate excitement of casino games, the modern casino uses an array of security measures to deter cheating and theft. Elaborate surveillance systems provide an eye-in-the-sky view of every table, window and doorway; camera lenses can be adjusted by security workers in a separate room filled with banks of security monitors to focus on suspicious patrons. Computers can also keep track of the results of a game, and warn players if their bets seem to run counter to the expected outcome.

Aside from the high-tech surveillance, the most effective security measures involve a simple understanding of how people behave in a casino. The routines of gambling, from the way a dealer shuffles cards to the expected reactions of other players, all follow certain patterns. By learning the nuances of how casinos work, security personnel can spot suspicious behavior and quickly stop any illegal activity. With disposable income rising around the globe, the gaming industry continues to thrive, and the largest casinos are attempting to lure global audiences with a variety of themes and entertainment.