A wager in a casino is the amount of money that players bet on a game. It is important to understand how stakes work because they can have a big impact on the outcome of a casino session. When placing bets, players must consider their bankroll and the odds associated with each game to determine how much they are willing to risk. If a player bets too much, he may lose more money than he planned; on the other hand, betting too little can mean losing potential winnings.