Under the glitz of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of money. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in the rigged system. Unfortunately, a casino’s house edge is always in play, and the odds are that players will lose money over time.

One of the biggest tricks up a casino’s sleeve is the use of “near wins” to keep players coming back for more. Slot machines are specifically designed to produce close-ups of matching symbols, tricking the brain into thinking it’s about to win. This keeps players playing longer and increases their betting. Casinos also employ other psychological tactics to keep players gambling, such as removing clocks and windows to make it harder for players to track the passing of time.

Ultimately, the best way to prevent losing your winnings at a casino is to create boundaries for yourself. Decide how much you are willing to spend in a session and stick to it. If you are winning, cash out. This approach will ensure that you have a good casino experience and avoid leaving with a big fat wallet loss. It’s the only sensible strategy for anyone who wants to stay in control of their casino spending.