The best casinos don’t just offer a great selection of games and big jackpots, they also have something to attract even the non-gambler. From free drinks and stage shows to fine dining and luxurious suites, there’s more to a casino than meets the eye at first glance.
Gambling has been a part of human life for millennia, from ancient times when dice were invented to the early 1600s when blackjack appeared on the scene. The seedy backroom gambling parlors of the past have been replaced by large, professional casinos that pay close attention to security and provide a safe environment to play.
Beneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos are a complex web of mathematics designed to slowly drain players’ bankrolls. For years, mathematically inclined physicists have tried to turn the tables by using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in the rigged system. Despite these efforts, it’s still nearly impossible to beat the house edge and win more than you lose.
In the modern casino, high rollers are a major source of revenue. These gamblers, who spend a huge amount of money on slots or table games, are often given comps such as free hotel rooms, dinners and shows, and can even get airline tickets and limousine service. To keep their gambling churning, casinos must ensure that players continue to place big bets, which is why they employ a variety of strategies to make this happen.