While Casino might lack the pizzazz of Goodfellas, it’s still a riveting movie about how mobster Sam Rothstein skimmed millions from the Vegas casinos. The film is also a fascinating look at Vegas history and the way the city has evolved since the Mafia’s days. It explains how the gambling corporations took over a desert town that was minting billions of dollars each year.
Underneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit the system. But it’s a losing battle. Even the best mathematicians can’t overcome the house edge.
To make money, gamblers need to think about the odds and how much they can afford to lose. They should also avoid getting too tipsy. Casinos offer free drinks because they know that tipsy gamblers are more likely to lose their money. Moreover, they should try to limit how long they spend in the casino. They can set a timer and once they hit their budget for the day, they should leave the casino.
To increase their chances of winning, gamblers should play games with the highest odds and not the lowest. They should also stay away from the sexy games like roulette and craps, which have lousy odds. They should instead opt for games with the best odds, such as baccarat or blackjack.