Throughout the 1950s, the casino business grew rapidly in Nevada. However, legitimate businessmen were reluctant to get involved, as casinos were illegal in every other state. Luckily, organized crime figures had plenty of money from illegal rackets and didn’t mind gambling’s sleazy image. The money flowed into Reno and Las Vegas, and mafia members purchased or took part in certain casinos. Despite the sleaziness, however, many casinos still had high rollers.
While the casino may have boosted local unemployment, it is important to remember that the increase in local employment does not necessarily mean increased employment in the community. Although the casino may have contributed to lower unemployment in the area, this increase should be compared to the statewide unemployment rate. Additionally, the employment growth in the casino area may simply have been the result of a natural business cycle. Similarly, changes in the surrounding economy may have also been responsible for the increase.
While casinos do employ video cameras and other modern technology to monitor casino activities, they still have some human elements. One of these is the presence of computer chips. These chips, which store and track information about players, are used in many casino games. Unlike video games, which involve human interaction, casino employees do not have to look up a clock, and can be trained to distinguish between legitimate and suspicious patrons. A casino’s security procedures also involve the use of rules and routines that help keep the casino safe.