Underneath the veneer of flashing lights, free cocktails and slot machines, casinos are complex engineering feats designed to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have attempted to turn the tables by harnessing probability and game theory to exploit flaws in a rigged system. But most gamblers have no idea that the odds of losing are worse on games like baccarat and roulette than they are in slots or the wheel of craps.

In most casino games, players wager money or tokens on a number of different possible outcomes or combinations of those outcomes. The most popular table games involve card games such as poker and blackjack, dice games such as craps, and wheels such as roulette. In a table game, players normally sit around a specially designed table and interact directly with each other or with a dealer who enables the game and manages payments.

Many casinos offer bonuses to attract new customers and reward existing ones. These may come in the form of free chips, which can be used to play for real money or as part of a larger welcome package. They may also be in the form of a match deposit bonus or reload bonus, and they usually have specific wagering requirements. To maximize the value of a casino bonus, players should understand its terms and conditions fully. A few key terms to know include: