Each table
is operated by at least one dealer (also called a
"croupier"), who is responsible for running the game and
operating the equipment. On card tables (blackjack and poker),
this includes shuffling and dealing the cards. On roulette the
dealer spins the ball. The dealer's duties vary with each game,
but generally include exchanging money into chips, placing
player's bets, giving instructions about the game, paying out
winning bets and collecting losing bets on the casino's behalf,
and monitoring players' behavior.
Inspectors
watch over the tables. They are responsible for checking that
the dealer is operating the game correctly and that players are
neither cheating nor being cheated. Each inspector may monitor
more than one table. He or she checks large payouts and keeps
records of how much each players spends and wins. The inspector
notes how many high denomination chips are given to a player,
and resolves any disputes that may arise between dealers and
players.
If a problem occurs, such as a player not agreeing with
the amount the dealer has paid out for a winning bet, or a
winning chip being cleared away in error, the dealer will summon
the inspector by making a kissing noise. This sound is used as
it is easily heard through the noise of a casino. As all table
games are recorded on video tape, any disputes are easily
resolved.
Each group of tables is controlled by a pit
boss, who is responsible for allocating staff to the tables
and checking the work of the dealers and the inspectors. The pit
boss collates details on how much an individual player is
spending on passes this on to the managers. He or she also
collates details about how much a specific player is winning.
This information is then relayed to the cash point so when the
player cashed in at the end of a gaming session, the cashier
knows that the chips have been legitimately won, and were not
acquired by cheating or pick-pocketing.
Casino Managers deal with the day to day
running of the casino. They socialize with players and allocate
complimentary benefits ("comps") such as drinks, meal
vouchers, cigarettes, hotel rooms or show tickets.
A player's level of spending determines what comps she or he
receives, with the highest staking customers sometimes receiving
everything free. Regular slot machine players can join a special
club which allows them to accumulate points that count towards
comps.
Casinos may keep record of how much individual players win or
lose. In countries where casinos are state controlled, these
records may be scrutinized by government agencies, such as tax
offices. As a control against money laundering, governments may
require casinos to supply details of players who regularly spend
large amounts of money. Casinos in the USA are obliged to notify
the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) of US citizens with big
winnings.
Security staff constantly mingle with
players. Some are uniformed, while others are plain-clothed.
Casinos use a variety of electronic surveillance systems,
sometimes called the 'eye in the sky', to monitor the action on
the gaming floor. All games are recorded, and the tapes are
stored for a period of time, so that in the event of a dispute
they can be played back.
While uniformed security personnel keep a
lookout for pick-pockets and chip snatchers on the gaming
floors, behind-the-scene staff watch the surveillance
cameras. If a player is suspected of cheating, he or she will be
closely watched from the control room. Players cheating will be
photographed before being thrown out. Casinos share information
about cheats, and their details are quickly circulated. Being
caught cheating can result in a player being refused entry to
all other casinos in the vicinity.
All
casino personnel wear uniforms, to easily identify their
position. These are often a variation on evening wear, with the
men wearing bow ties and waistcoats, and the women in long
dresses. Inspectors, pit bosses and managers are traditionally
dressed in formal suits or tuxedos. General managers usually
wear business (dress) suits. In resort casinos, which often have
a strong decor theme, uniforms tend to be less formal and
frequently reflect the overall design concept