The world’s top casinos combine gaming variety, luxury, and entertainment to create unforgettable experiences. Some also offer wholesome options for families and are committed to environmental sustainability.
Beneath the gloss of flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. But many mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to find ways to beat a system they believe is rigged.
Something about the environment of a casino encourages cheating, stealing and scamming. That’s why casinos invest so much time, effort and money in security. In addition to cameras, computers monitor games for anomalies. For example, chip tracking technology allows the casinos to monitor exactly how much each player is betting minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect any statistical deviations from expected results.
Aside from vigilance, one of the best defenses against being taken advantage of in a casino is to know your limits and stick to them. Before you head to the gambling floor, set a fixed amount of money you’re willing to donate to the casino and don’t exceed it. Likewise, limit how long you can play, as there’s no point in continuing to lose money that you cannot afford to lose. That’s why you won’t see any clocks on the casino floor—the goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to lose track of time and stay longer.