Beneath flashing lights, giveaways and bling, casinos rest on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. A few mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their understanding of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a system that, on paper at least, should be fair.
Gambling is the main activity at most casinos, but they also offer a wide variety of table games, like blackjack and roulette. These games involve a dealer or croupier who facilitates the game and oversees the betting. Many casinos also host poker tournaments, in which players compete against each other. The casinos make a small fee, known as the rake, on each player’s bets.
In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. In addition to gambling, casinos often provide a party atmosphere that includes loud music, flashing lights and cheering people. They also serve alcohol, and some even provide nonalcoholic drinks. Many casinos use the color red to stimulate and encourage gamblers. There are usually no clocks in casino buildings, because they are designed to help visitors lose track of time.
Many of the most popular casinos in the United States and around the world are located in tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Macau. But there are also many other places that have a reputation for being great casinos, such as the Estoril Casino in Portugal, which was frequented by Ian Fleming and inspired some of his James Bond stories.