Underneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos are built on a bedrock of math that’s engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of their hard-earned cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by applying their knowledge of probability and game theory to find a way to beat the house. But it turns out that cheating doesn’t pay in the long run. Casinos realize that a reputation for cheating will make people stay away, and they’d rather take 5% of every bet for years than 100% of a single bet.
While it’s possible to increase your chances of winning at slots by taking advantage of strategies like ‘hot and cold’ machines or the fact that those machines near walkways tend to pay out more often, the truth is that you’re still relying largely on pure chance. The longer you play, the more the house edge will grind your bankroll into unprofitability. That’s why casinos lack clocks and windows and offer free libations to keep players in the dark about how much time has passed.
If you’re a gambler, you should consider playing at a high-stakes poker tournament only when you’re confident in your skills. In the meantime, try out some online poker games to get a feel for the game. This is a great way to test out your skills and earn some real cash while you’re at it. You can also win cash and electronics by signing up for a VIP program at your favorite casino.