Whether it’s the flashy decor, upbeat music or wide selection of games, casinos are designed to be exciting places where people can let loose and have fun. They are a place where champagne glasses clink, tourists and locals mingle and everyone is trying their luck at games like poker or roulette. There’s no telling when luck will strike, but the energy in the casino is palpable and a lot of fun to be part of.

Despite their jovial exteriors, casino patrons are often serious about their gambling and make up the majority of a hotel’s income. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time, effort and money on security. Elaborate surveillance systems offer a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” that can be focused on suspicious patrons. There are also cameras hidden in the ceiling that watch every table, change window and doorway. Staffers in a separate room can monitor the video feeds and adjust their focus.

Something about casino gambling encourages cheating and theft. That’s why most casinos have a very high-level security team to patrol the premises and protect their assets. Many casinos are also choosy about who they invite onto their property, with special rooms reserved for high rollers whose wagers can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. These gamblers are treated with respect and lavish hospitality that helps the casino offset the risk of losing big. In the end, the casino is only as good as its reputation.