Beneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, designed to slowly bleed gamblers of their money. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by using their knowledge of probability and game theory to beat a rigged system.

Fortunately for them, most casino games have built-in house edges that ensure the casino will always win. While these advantages may be small, they can add up to the millions of dollars that casinos earn from patrons’ bets. This revenue is what enables casinos to build elaborate hotels, fountains and replicas of famous landmarks.

The term casino originally refers to a place where people gather to play music and dance. In the nineteenth century, the casino became a popular place for wealthy Europeans to socialize and gamble. The first world-famous casino was opened in Monte-Carlo in 1863, drawing royalty and aristocracy from around the continent. Since then, the glitzy gambling scene has spread to other cities and cultures.

Most of the time, casino patrons spend money on games that involve chance or skill. These include video poker, slot machines and table games like roulette, blackjack, craps and baccarat. Many of these games also have an element of interaction between players and croupiers or dealers. A small number of table games, such as the Arabic game Ofanfelling, are played in coffeehouses. These are often not a part of a traditional casino but rather an offshoot of the gaming culture.