Underneath the veneer of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a foundation of mathematics designed to slowly bleed patrons of their hard-earned cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a system engineered for maximum gross profit.

The thump of champagne glasses clinking around the tables, the sound of slot machines ringing out winners, and the scent of opulence creates an intoxicating atmosphere that can make even the most skeptical observer giddy. Casinos are often a hub of social activity, with guests from all over the world mingle in a lively atmosphere. But there is something about gambling that encourages people to cheat, steal and scam their way into a jackpot.

For this reason casinos invest a lot of time and money into security. They have an array of cameras in the ceiling that can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons, and a room filled with banks of security monitors that can detect even the slightest deviation from protocol. The security staff also has access to a database that records each patron’s play, allowing them to analyze patterns and identify suspects.

But this doesn’t stop the patrons from trying to find a way around these safeguards. Some savvy players know about the house edge, which is the average gross profit that a casino expects to make on each game. This advantage isn’t based on luck, but rather a mathematical calculation that takes into account the rules of each game and a player’s skill level.