A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term may refer to an actual building, or it may refer to a large room dedicated to this purpose. Casinos often serve as anchors for commercial and tourist activity in cities and resorts, and some offer accommodation, restaurants, shows and other amenities.
Beneath the varnish of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using game theory and probability to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system. But despite a few high profile successes (see below), it’s very difficult to beat the house.
Whether you’re visiting Vegas, or hitting the slots in your local casino, it’s important to remember that the odds are always against you. Even the games that look the most fun and exciting, like craps, have lousy odds. Casinos aren’t afraid to admit this, and they make the games with the worst odds – like the Field and Any 7 bets – the most colorful.
While you’re in the casino, set a time limit for yourself. It’s a great way to keep track of your money and your play. And it will help you avoid those pitfalls that lead to overspending. And don’t drink too much. Casinos give away free alcohol because they know that tipsy people lose their money more frequently. So, if you’re losing, change games.
