Underneath the glitz and flash of the casino floor lies a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly bleed the patrons of casinos. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by harnessing their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in this rigged system.
Casino is a gangster film with no good guys; every character is mired in greed, treachery and avarice. It doesn’t have the pizzazz of a Goodfellas or the sentimental appeal of a romanticized Las Vegas, but it is a convincing portrayal of human tragedy.
There are no clocks on the casino floor for a reason; the houses want you to lose track of time so you play longer and spend more money. Casinos also offer free alcohol to tempt players; they know that tipsy players will gamble more than sober players.
Another common strategy is to reward players with loyalty perks, known as comps. These can range from free meals and drinks to hotel rooms and exclusive access to events. This tactic is effective because it encourages players to continue gambling in order to maintain or increase their loyalty status.
The best strategy for playing at a casino is to set a budget before you enter the building. Set a limit for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Also, remember that chasing losses is never a good idea. If you’re losing, stop playing, even if you haven’t reached your budget for the day.
