Beneath the glitz of flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly drain their patrons of money. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit flaws in a rigged system.
Casinos have elaborate surveillance systems to keep an eye on their patrons. They use cameras to monitor all areas of the gaming floor, with the ability to focus on suspicious patrons at any time. They also have high-tech “eyes-in-the-sky” that allow security workers to watch the entire casino at once from a room filled with banks of security monitors.
Table games, such as poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat, are a mainstay in casinos. These games require strategic thinking and decision-making skills, as players try their luck against one another or with the house. Many of these games also encourage socialization and can be enjoyed with friends or family members.
While it is possible to win at some games with luck, the odds are stacked against you. This is why casinos make the games with lousiest odds the most appealing, amping them up with bright lights and colorful bets. For example, at a craps table, the craziest bets, such as “the Field,” and “any 7” are often the most enticing. Casinos earn most of their profit from people who gamble large amounts. These people are known as high rollers, and they can earn comps worth thousands of dollars, including free rooms and meals.