The odds of you beating the casino are 2 to 1 against
Dear Mark,
Why has the term "odds" been so closely associated
with gambling? Terry K.
The laws of probability, Terry, on which odds are based,
are as highly respected a branch of mathematics as geometry,
trigonometry or differential calculus. Odds are used in
business, science, military planning, mortality rates and
virtually all human endeavors-including gambling.
Most gamblers don't realize it, but every time they enter
a casino the odds are 2 to 1 against them no matter which
game they play. First, you go to war with the casino, which
has an edge on each and every bet, and second, we all must
do battle with the ultimate demon-ourselves.
There is your 2 to 1 against.
Dear Mark,
In blackjack, why is it that when the deck is rich in aces
and face cards it favors the player? Gary C.
There are two reasons. First, blackjacks will appear more often when there is a higher proportion of aces in the deck, and as you know blackjacks pay the player 3 to 2. Second, the dealer will bust more when he has a "stiff" (12 through 16). The player, given the same opportunity, would stand on stiffs, whereas the dealer is forced by the rules of the game to hit away and hopefully bust.
Dear Mark,
My friend believes that all roulette tables operate on streaks
and you should only wager on numbers that have recently
appeared. I believe, and I am sure you will concur, that
he is full of it. I could use some help convincing my friend.
Steve B.
A streak is nothing more than a backward glimpse at probability
and should not be taken into consideration in most, if not
all, gaming situations.
Roulette wheels, Steve, do not operate with artificial intelligence
nor do they have any way of remembering which past numbers
have hit. Each spin is an independent event that is not
controlled by past spins.
Your friend's theory has zero merit.
Dear Mark,
Could you please explain how much the progressive meter
rises on both your average slot and video poker machine?
Jane B.
The rate at which the meter progresses upward is based on
a pre-set percentage of all the money cycled through the
machine. The meter rates will vary from machine to machine,
casino to casino. If you are playing an individual progressive,
expect an advance rate of five to 10 percent of the money
played. Example: A dollar wagered, the jackpot goes up 10¢.
Machines that are tied together, like a bank (carousel)
or networked slots like Megabucks or Quartermania, involve
a much lower progressive rate. In return, you are provided
a mega jackpot-a.k.a. big, big bucks.
On your typical video poker machine, the meters rise on
the average of between .25 and two percent with one percent
being the industry average.
Dear Mark,
If I may, a quick history question. Who invented the slot
machine? Ted G.
The first mechanical slot machine, the Liberty Bell, was
invented in 1895 by Charles Fey, a San Francisco mechanic.
Fey's machine housed three spinning reels, each decorated
with diamonds, spades, hearts and one cracked Liberty Bell
per reel. When the bells lined up, they produced your biggest
payoff: 10 nickels.
If you are ever in Reno, Ted, the original Liberty Bell
is on display at the Liberty Belle Saloon & Restaurant,
on 4250 S. Virginia.
Dear
Mark,
The video poker card that comes with your Hooked on Winning
audio cassette series states that a 2-card royal (Ace, no
10) is a more powerful hand than a 2-card royal (10, no
Ace). Why is that? Barney G.
A two card royal with an ace (jack of hearts, ace of hearts) is a preferable hand because if you draw an additional ace, you will get your initial wager returned for the pair of aces. Whereas if you were to draw a second 10, zilch is your payoff.
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