Underneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casino gambling is a business, engineered to bleed its patrons of their money. Even when a game involves an element of skill, the odds are mathematically determined to guarantee that the house will win. The casino’s advantage over the players is called the “house edge.” It may seem impossible to overcome that advantage, but many mathematically inclined people have tried.
Gambling has a powerful draw, and people of all ages are attracted to it in large numbers. Some people who gamble are addicted, and casinos spend a lot of time, effort and money on security to keep these people away from the tables and slot machines.
In addition to basic security, casinos have a variety of systems to monitor the games. These include electronic chip tracking, which allows the casinos to oversee wagers minute by minute and quickly detect any statistical deviations from expected results; and fully automated versions of dice and roulette, in which players bet with buttons rather than rolling physical pieces.
Most casinos have loyalty programs, which reward frequent customers with free chips that can be exchanged for cash. These programs vary from one casino to the next, but most offer points that increase a player’s VIP status or tier and come with other perks.