Beneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have sought to turn the tables by leveraging their knowledge of probability and game theory. But for all the physicists in town, the best strategy for outwitting a casino game is pretty simple: don’t play it.

Casino is the name for any place where gambling is legal and people pay to gamble. A casino can be an actual building, a room in a hotel or even just a space on the internet.

A casino offers games of chance and in some cases skill, such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps and video poker. Most of these games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house will win in the long run. This advantage is known as the house edge.

Table games are played by a group of players who sit around a table designed for the particular game being played. A croupier or dealer enables the game and manages payments. Bets are placed with chips, which can be exchanged for money or goods after a winning bet.

The term table game is often used in a broad sense, to include card and dice games as well as board and role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons or spades. However, a more specific definition would limit the term to those that require social interaction, with players sitting around a table and interacting directly with one another.