Behind the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos rest on a bedrock of mathematics that is designed to slowly bleed patrons of their money. But for years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by using probability and game theory to exploit the rigged system.

In the early 20th century, it was not uncommon for a casino to be home to as many as 100 employees who were dedicated solely to giving its players comps, such as free spectacular entertainment and elegant living quarters. The higher the stakes, the more extravagant these incentives could be. But even lower-stakes gamblers were often offered reduced-fare transportation, hotel rooms and complimentary drinks and cigarettes while gambling.

Today, most casinos use a combination of technological and human security measures to keep players safe. Those who wish to play in a real-life casino must meet strict regulatory standards to obtain a license. These include compliance with gaming laws, a high level of transparency and accountability, and high-end security measures like encryption technologies. Moreover, a casino must be located in an area that has good public transit, so that visitors can easily get to the venue. The same goes for online casinos, where players must comply with the terms of service and regulations established by their jurisdiction or gaming authority. Lastly, they must also maintain high-end security measures to protect players’ personal information. They can do this by using encryption technologies, such as SSL, to secure their websites.