The glitz, glamor and excitement of casino life draw people from all over the world to gamble, shop and take in shows and other attractions. But while musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers add to the allure of casino gambling, it’s the games of chance that provide the billions in profits casinos rake in every year.

Casinos make money by giving players a built in mathematical advantage, called an edge. While the advantage can be very small—less than two percent of all bets—over time this tiny profit gives the casino a virtual guarantee of gross profit. This advantage, plus a small percentage of all bets made on slot machines and video poker, provides the revenue that allows casinos to build elaborate hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and even replicas of famous landmarks.

There’s something about the presence of large amounts of money that encourages cheating and stealing by both patrons and employees. That’s why casinos spend so much time and effort on security. Casinos employ a large number of people who work closely with each other to keep an eye on the game, watching for anything out of the ordinary. Dealers are heavily trained to spot blatant cheating like palming, marking and changing cards or dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view, examining betting patterns for unusual activity.

The best casino sites for Canadian players should offer a secure and safe banking experience with lots of options for depositing and withdrawing C$. They should also have great customer support and 24/7 live chat. Some also have unique features, such as missions and achievements or customisable lobbies.