While visiting a casino, it is important to observe proper etiquette. The casino employees work under high-security conditions and are expected to watch patrons and games closely. Dealers are trained to spot cheating, but not to bet on the dealer’s game. Table managers and pit bosses also monitor table games for cheating and betting patterns. Casino employees are tracked by someone in the casino’s upper management. The following are some tips for playing in a casino:

Always gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never use your cell phone while seated at a casino table. The walls of a casino block cell phone reception. To get a dial tone, you have to walk outside the casino. You also cannot use pagers or cell phones in the sports book. Remember, these devices may be tempting, but the casino is not your place to lose everything. If you do find yourself in the middle of a gambling spree, limit your time spent in the casino to an hour.

Gambling is a highly lucrative business, but it also has significant negative consequences. Many people get addicted to gambling and generate disproportionate profits for casinos. Some studies estimate that five percent of casino patrons are addicted to gambling, accounting for up to 25 percent of the profits at most casinos. Many economists have documented the negative effects of casinos on local economies. While casinos primarily attract local players, the money they generate translates into a shift away from other local entertainment. The costs associated with treating problem gamblers and lost productivity due to addiction can offset the positive economic gains derived from casinos.