Despite the casino’s appeal, gambling addiction has many negative consequences. Although casinos earn disproportionate profits, a study shows that about five percent of casino patrons are addicted. These individuals contribute up to 25 percent of the total casino profits. In addition, economic studies show that casinos have a negative impact on communities, because they tend to draw local players, who shift spending from other sources of entertainment in the area. While the casino’s economic benefits may outweigh the costs of treating problem gamblers, these gains are less than the overall costs of the treatment and lost productivity associated with gambling addiction.

The security of a casino starts on the casino floor. Casino employees monitor table games and patrons for unusual betting patterns. Because dealers focus on their own games, they can spot signs of cheating. Table managers and pit bosses also keep a close eye on the game. These individuals can spot patterns in betting and stealing, and they are monitored by higher-up people. If someone is stealing money, they can be easily identified by the employees in the casino’s security division.

A casino can also benefit local unemployment rates. Since most casino jobs require some degree of skill, local officials should find out whether the work force will come from the local area. A casino that is located in a city, however, may attract skilled labor from a nearby rural community. Local unemployment rates may not be affected in a rural area, but the local economy may benefit from tax revenue. The casinos can create jobs for the local economy, and local officials should consider all of these factors before deciding whether to approve a casino or not.