The glittering lights of a casino and the dazzling glitz of its high-stakes gambling machines entice gamblers from around the world. But beneath the superficial glamour lies a carefully engineered system that gradually bleeds patrons of their money. Despite this, some mathematically inclined minds have turned to science in an attempt to turn the tables.
In the past, casinos primarily catered to European royalty and aristocracy. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, is home to one such casino, designed to replicate the baroque flourishes of Versailles. Other casinos, like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, have branched out to offer Hermes and Chanel boutiques as well as gastronomic delights and floor shows. Some even have private planes to transport gamblers from distant cities.
Regardless of the glamor, casinos are mostly profit centers for their owners, drawing in billions of dollars in revenue each year. The hefty profits are primarily from games of chance, with the lion’s share being generated by slot machines. The favored games of blackjack, poker, roulette and craps also generate substantial profits.
Gambling games are not without risks, though. A large number of people are addicted to gambling, and their behavior has a negative impact on local economies. The economic cost of treating problem gamblers and lost productivity from compulsive gambling more than offsets any gains a casino may make. This is why casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security. The routines of games, the expected reactions of players and their behavior all follow certain patterns, making it easier for security personnel to spot suspicious activity.