Beneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by harnessing probability and game theory, but in the end the house always wins.

Casinos reward players with bonuses for signing up and depositing funds (or even just entering their personal details). These are usually in the form of money or free spins credited to player accounts, which need to be wagered in order to convert to real cash. Pro Tip: Before making your first deposit check the key terms around eligible games, turnover and expiration to make sure you understand what you’re getting into with the offer.

Table games are a feature of most coffeehouses, and some are popular in the Middle East, including dice games, baccarat, sic bo and la ruleta. These games are usually played with a deck of cards and rely on luck, rather than strategy or skill.

The best way to win at slots long-term is to play within your means, and keep a budget in mind. It’s tempting to increase your stakes, but this can be dangerous and lead to more losses. Instead, stick to your budget, and if you do win, move the money over to next day’s budget. Some casinos even have timers that automatically transfer your winnings to your account at certain intervals. In fact, some casino staff will be able to point you towards the machines that are paying out more, so don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.