Underneath the twinkling lights and flashing slot machines, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their customers’ money. Many casinos employ mathematically inclined individuals known as gaming mathematicians or casino analysts to calculate the odds and house advantage of every game they offer. These figures help the casinos make informed decisions about how much money they should invest in a particular machine or game.

In games with a skill element, the house edge varies depending on how well the player plays. The house also earns money in games such as poker where players compete against each other by taking a commission, called the rake.

Casinos use a variety of methods to enforce security. Many have video cameras and computerized systems to monitor betting patterns and spot statistical deviations. Some have chip tracking, enabling them to know exactly what is being wagered minute by minute. Others use a wholly automated version of the roulette wheel to ensure its fairness.

In addition to traditional advertising, casinos can use Cvent Search Ads to reach out to event planners and promote themselves as a group destination. These ads appear prominently in searches of hotels and other venues that are similar or sister markets to the casino, putting the property top of mind for potential group business.