There's nothing like a little competition to get the heart pumping, especially if there's a solid prize pool for the winners.

And when the urge to compete hits slot machine players, it's off to the races – Slot Races, that is, a new online take on traditional slot tournaments.

In Slot Races, you compete against other players to accumulate points all while playing your favorite games. Here's how these competitions works.

Select a race to enter

Slot races are run frequently, and you can choose one that begins when you want to play.

The races have different durations and different minimum bets per spin. You can choose whether you want a higher or lower minimum bet, and whether you want a shorter or longer tournament.

Each race also has a maximum number of spins to accumulate points. A 20-minute Slot Race might have a maximum of 200 spins, while shorter races have lower maximums and longer races allow more spins.

One other graphic on your screen is the race leaderboard. That will tell you how you stand in pursuit of the checkered flag and the race prizes.

Play the slot of your choice

Entrants don't all have to be playing the same game. You can play the slot games while you like to play.

You must bet cash on regular play on the machine, and the race points accumulate separately from your cash meter. Wagers made with free play or free spin vouchers awarded in promotions are not eligible for race points. Only cash play drives your chance to win the race.

While you play, you are both accumulating points for the tournament and playing for money in the same way you play for cash in regular play.

You can choose your own bet size, but if you bet less than the race minimum, you do not accumulate points. You can bet more than the minimum if you want to go for bigger winnings on regular play, but the bigger bets don't give you an edge in race points. 

While you try to zoom past the competition, you'll see a display with your points as well as a meter for remaining time. When that meter hits 0:00, the race is over and you can collect no more points.

Collect points

Any winning spin puts points on your meter, and special wins really rev your engines as you try to lap the field.

Note that the points have no cash value, though the competitors with the most points will be awarded prizes after the race. The points are strictly to determine your standing in the race. 

You can supercharge your standing with wins on the following:

• Get five points for any win of up to five times your bet. So if you bet 50 cents and win any amount less than $2.50, that brings five points.
• Get 10 points for a "Jumbo Win" of five to 15 times your bet. If your 50-cent wager brings winnings of at least $2.50 but less than $7.50, then you get the 10 points.
• Get 500 points for a "Monster Win" of at least 15 points. The Monster Wins really put you into overdrive. With a 50-cent bet, that means any win of $7.50 or more brings that 500.
• Get 100 points for a "Double Jumbo." That's two Jumbo Wins, with the second bringing 100 points instead of 10.
• Get 500 points for a "Super Booster." Any time you make it to one of your game's bonus events such as free spins or a pick'em round, that's a Super Booster and it'll have you off to the races.

The prizes

Awards to the winner from race to race, varying with the minimum bet and the race duration. Prizes may include free play, free spins, bonus events and cash.

Each day, there is a Main Event, and that race has the biggest prizes of the day. As a general rule, bigger cumulative minimum bets will bring bigger prizes.

For example, assume one race has a 50-cent minimum bet, a 20-minute duration and a maximum of 200 spins. The total wager for 200 spins would be $100.

Also assume another race is available with a 25-cent minimum bet, 10-minute duration and 100 maximum spins. The total wager for the 100-spin max would be $25.

The race requiring the most play usually would be the one with the bigger prizes.

Comparison to Live Casino Tournaments

Slot tournaments have been an important part of promotions in live casinos since at least the 1970s. Slot Races have a similar basic format to live tournaments, but there are differences.

• Live tournaments usually put all players on the same game theme.

When three-reel slots ruled slot floors, running a tournament usually meant blocking off a group of machines – often of different themes – and temporarily taking them out of service.

While the games were down, technicians would replace game chips with tournament chips, remove reel strips and replace them with reel strips for the tournament game, and replace the glass to display the name of the tournament game.

The process is easier with modern video slots, especially on server-based games. Some systems allow operators to run their regular games most of the time, but to instantly switch to put the same tournament game on a block of machines when it's time for competition.

With Slot Races, there's no need for such conversions. You just play your regular game online, and the race is layered onto it.

• Live tournaments often do not involve cash play.

The most common format is to have players pay an entry fee, and that fee funds prizes.

That fee entitles entrants to play a number of timed tournament sessions, During those sessions, they do not put any more cash into the machines. Play is strictly for points, and winning spins do not pay cash.

In Slot Races, you are playing for cash, and the points that determine a race extra are a bonus.

Tips for slot race play

Just as in regular slot play, there is nothing you can do to change the odds of the game. You can't make wins come up more frequently. You just have to enjoy the wins -- and the Slot Race points – when they come.

However, there are some things you can do to get the most out of slot races.

• Pick a Slot Race that fits your schedule – If you have only 20 minutes to play, don't pick a 30-minute race. It's important to be able to complete the race to give yourself maximum time to accumulate points.
• Pick a Slot Race that fits your budget – Look for a race with a minimum bet that's in your wagering comfort zone.

You don't want to bet too much per spin and stretch your budget to its limits. 

But it's also best to pick a race with a minimum bet that's not too little for your normal play. 

If you plan to bet $1 per spin, then it may be to your advantage to enter a race with a $1 minimum instead of entering a 50-cent race and wagering $1. The prize structure may be greater in the higher-minimum race, so you'd rather put your play there than bet the same amount in a lower-minimum race with lower prize structure.

• Make sure you play the maximum spins.

In a 20-minute Slot Race with a maximum of 200 spins, players who finish all 200 spins have an advantage over those who don't.

If one racer spins 200 times and another only 190, then the first racer has 10 more chances to accumulate points.

Adjust your speed of play to make sure you spin as many times as allowed. That gives you the maximum chance to be first at the finish line and take home the prizes.
 

Anyone who came of age from the 1950s probably has at least played some pinball at some point. The games as they are known today trace their origins back to the 1930s when the invention of electricity greatly ramped up earlier versions.

The games flourished beginning in the 1970s with more electronics and features making their way to the games. Adding some icons like the band KISS and daredevil Evel Knievel had kids hitting those flippers and hoping for a high score. The games have become even more complex in recent years, but many of those earlier games have become collector’s items.

Fans of casinos are also in luck as a few classic pinball machines also come with some cool gambling themes and features. Many players enjoy pinball for the same reasons they enjoy slot machines and other gambling – the sights, sounds, and the excitement of racking up a big win. Who wouldn’t want to add one of these vintage pinball machines to that poker room or man cave? Here’s a look at some great gambling, casino, and Las Vegas themed pinball machines.

Table of Contents

1 – High Roller Casino (2001)

This game ramps up the Las Vegas and casino vibes with almost every game and Vegas-related graphic possible on the playfield – casino chips, blackjack dealer and table, playing cards, craps dice, the Vegas skyline, and even a showgirl. Play the game just right and you can even zing that ball right into a slot machine or roulette wheel.

High Roller is a complete gambling overload with a true homage to Las Vegas. A showgirl is even featured on the side of the cabinet. The back box features a cool Vegas scene, fittingly with a high roller in a cowboy hat accompanied by a couple of ladies tossing some dice. He’s surrounded by a showgirl, roulette wheel, and slot machine. The sound effects and music add a lot to the experience, including a dealer announcing “luck be a lady tonight.”

A bonus wheel also rewards players with an extra ball, slot spin, and a roll of the dice. This may be the ultimate pinball machine for any gambler. You may not be able to make a trip to Las Vegas, but this machine has a bit of everything you might find on the Strip.

2 – Las Vegas (1977)

This machine also pays homage to classic Sin City. Drop in a quarter and watch that ball roll and get bumped around on a device featuring everything Vegas – playing cards, casino chips, dice, slot machines, a roulette wheel, a rocking band, and more.

The Las Vegas machine was actually one of the first games meant for home use. “Now you can flip, bump, roll, ring, even tilt with the most exciting home pinball ever built,” advertisements for the game noted.

The game featured some great graphics and may have players feeling like activating those flippers is the next best thing to actually being in Las Vegas. And if you crap out, simply hammer up another ball or pop in another quarter.

3 – Joker Poker (1978)

Some casino fans may think of Joker Poker as a video poker game, but this version features plenty of pinball fun. Like the Las Vegas game, this one also features some great art and graphics. The two female jokers on the top of the games stand out as a river of playing cards, catching a player’s eye as well.

The colorful game top features plenty of card and casino imagery as well. The upper left bumper syands out, offering a closeup of the suicide king’s hand gripping a dagger. Players can get more points for collecting better poker hands, with four Aces serving up 5,000 points. This game raises the bar and offers plenty of ways to win.

4 – Drop-A-Card (1971)

Will you be the king of the court in this play card themed game? This classic features plenty of gambling iconography including kings, queens, jokers, playing card suits, and more. Bank those cards for some bonus points and keep those bumpers humming.

The back box displays some great graphics, a really cool king and queen with a jack and joker looking on as well. One can easily imagine a kid in the 1970s saving up some quarters, heading to the nearest pinball hotspot, and aiming for that high score. He’d just have to play his cards right in this game.

5 – High Hand (1973)

Deal yourself a winner in this game that screams gambling. The cabinet features playing card suit symbols and high hands seem to be falling from the sky. There’s also a few strange notes to this game. An interesting character dressed in a kind of poker suit and helmet is making some kind of journey on a foreign world.

The game table is a bit less interesting than the upper box, but you’ll find more playing cards and suits. Slam that ball into some of the bonus symbols to chalk up even more points. Score enough and perhaps the poker guy might just make it home.

6 – Riverboat Gambler (1990)

Head back to the 19th century for some great throwback gambling with this game. The game offers a vintage casino feel and players may feel like they’ve hopped aboard a paddlewheel steamship on the mighty Mississippi. Collect as many casino chips as possible to score big in Riverboard Gambler.

Like some other great games here, this pinball machine brings some of the actual casino devices right to the playfield for some extra excitement. In this case, check out the right side of the playing surface for a cool roulette layout.

Add up to 200 chips to your bankroll by grabbing a royal flush – a scenario most card players would love. A female onboard even adds “oooh, lucky start,” as you’re playing. Hopefully that luck continues. Those who like a little vintage casino fun and history, should definitely hit the flippers on this one.

7 – Jacks Open (1977)

This poker-themed game features plenty of playing card fun and some great throwback imagery of a beautiful queen overseeing some kind of poker game involving four opponents running around collecting cards and suits. Grab three queens, a full house, or a royal flush for some nice payouts.

The lights behind the backglass add some nice touches as well with the queen and playing cards really standing out. The cabinet itself offers a great gambling scene as well with some classic red and black playing card suits and a great side view of the king.

Score bigger and bigger hands to earn more and more points. Hopefully this trip to the card table includes some of the queen’s riches.

8 – World Poker Tour (2006)

The 2000s brought a massive poker boom and the World Poker Tour was a huge part of that. When the show debuted, viewers could players betting huge amounts of money for the first time – and also see their cards. The show was a hit and featured tournaments from exotic casinos all around the world.

The pinball version of the game looked to capture some of that allure and brought players up close and personal for the action. The pinball game featured a hostess along with commentators Vince Van Patten and Mike Sexton.

Look for plenty of cards, chips, and some huge money on the line. Play your cards right and you just might find a seat at the final table – or at least  free game.

9 – Alien Poker (1980)

Deal some cards with some crazy creatures in this unique game. Ever wanted to play poker with a Martian, E.T., or Spock? If yes, then this game may be for you. The back box features a table of aliens locked in a real poker battle with some cool views of the galaxy behind them.

Released the same year as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the game designers looked to capture a bit of that energy but also threw in some cards playing. The playfield features some closeups of these intergalactic poker sharks showing off some interesting poker faces.

There are plenty of cardplaying images and icons as players try to score big. The audio effects are a nice touch as well. Hit the high score and one of the aliens says, “Big winner!” Another interplanetary chimes in at random times with, “When I win, I win big!” Bring that lucky charm and challenge some of the most bizarre poker opponents you may have ever played.

10 – Jokerz! (1988)

This fun game focuses on the joker, a wild card that brings plenty of excitement. The table top offers up a king and queen with the joker always looking on. The game features some great graphics and plenty of cards and gambling.

The king seems to have a huge hand, but is the queen holding that lucky joker that might change her fortune? Drop in a few quarters for a shot at your own big hand.

11 – Jack • Bot (1995)

Jump in a time machine and head to the future for this cutting edge casino that looks like a casino from 3095 instead of 1995. There is a complete gambling house available on the pinball machine but all with a futuristic vibe – from the droid dealers and cocktail waitresses to the robot-like slot machine.
Can you walk away as a winner in this intergalactic casino? Or will these metallic dealers play like a terminator and have you on tilt? Bring some interstellar skills to this game.

12 – Millionaire (1987)

Live like a high roller with this cool game that featured everything a potential millionaire might dream of: a luxurious lifestyle, limos, elegant ladies, big bucks, and more. The game also features one aspect that certainly stands out – what appears to be roulette wheel right in the middle of the game.

Hit those flippers just right and a ball spins on the pinball roulette wheel and lands in one of the slots surrounded by gems. Will it be the diamond or maybe a sapphire on that next quarter dropped in the machine?

Beyond the roulette wheel, this entire game gives off that great “high roller” kind of James Bond vibe, and might be a nice companion with another of the games mentioned here. Play the game just right and you just might earn a million – points.

*Credits for the cover image belongs to AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
 

Prepare to take a ride on the best and the worst bets you can find at the venerable, now invulnerable, game of roulette. There are some bets at roulette that are actually low-house-edge deals and there are some bets that are just awful, just awful, as in whichever person came up with these bets should spend close to eternity in the fiery pit.  Maybe even all eternity. I’ll leave that up to you.

You will be amazed at one area of roulette (coming up in the companion piece to this article) and that area might freeze you the way medusa froze unwary men. We’ll see; or, rather, you’ll see.

Three Roulette Games Are NOW Available: Yes, Three!

There are three basic roulette wheels (games) out there. Yes, those of you who think there are only two types of roulette games are about to be shocked (shocked!) because a third one has snuck its gelatinous mass into the roulette world. 

This third game was created by unscrupulous people (they hide in the shadows like specters) who don’t want to give players even a sniff of something delicious; that sniff being a few wins here and there. Sinful, sinful people invented this third game. They will or should be severely punished.

[Please note: I sometimes refer to games as wheels and I sometimes refer to wheels as games. And I sometimes just say bets. Yes, okay, sometimes I am confused.]

We’ll get to that new game at the very end of this two-part article – the very end because the most sinful bets at roulette should come last. The greatest sinners are in the lower level of hell, according to Dante.

The American Double-Zero (0, 00) Wheel

On the American double-zero (0, 00) wheels, the house edge is usually 5.26% except on certain bets (a little later on this). 

There are 38 pockets on this wheel, each paying off at 35 to 1, but you can see that the house is shorting the player two bets when the player wins. The fair odds of the American double-zero (0, 00) game are 37 to 1 and the fair payout would be 37 units for a player’s win.  

In a fair game even though there are 37 losses for our player (remember that of the 38 pockets, the player has a 1-in-38 chance of hitting the correct pocket), the single win of 37 units would make the game an even contest between casino and player. In such a game, the casino does not have an edge, no edge against the player whatsoever. That no-casino-profit roulette game would ultimately undo your beloved casino as it couldn’t obviously make a profit. No casino profits? No casino. No you playing in the non-existent casino.

By shorting the player those two units of a win the casino creates the roulette edge at the American game of 5.26%. By dividing the 38 pockets into those shortened two units, you then arrive at the house edge of 5.26 percent. (Ah, the magic of math.) This 5.26% covers all the bets at the game (well, kind of).

The European/French Wheel

The great mathematician, scientist and scholar Blaise Pascal created the European/French single-zero (0) wheels. The house edge on that wheel is usually 2.7% (on most bets as you shall see). 

Now, good old Blaise (as we aficionados call him) was looking to create a perpetual motion machine. Instead, he wound up creating a great gambling game. That game, so far, has lasted from the mid-1600s to now.

The single-zero game is clearly the better game. With its 37 numbers, the single-zero wheels also pay back 35 to 1 for a winning wager. Go ahead, do it, divide 37 into that one unit, and math-a-magically a house edge of 2.7% appears. Pascal was no dope. Yes, the kids in his neighborhood tortured little Blaise but his invention has made an industry multi-millions of dollars. Those other kids? Who were they again?

The Third Roulette Game

Nah, nah, you’ve got to wait until the very end of this two-part article to discover the horror that is now being visited upon us. The people offering this game, most of them anyway, should know better but are so greedy that they want even more of an edge over the game than they already have.

It is painful for me to even think of this third game and of the rotten people who are pushing it upon us. Shame!

The GREAT Roulette Bets

I am not going to mathematically analyze how these bets create a lower or higher house edge. I do not want to delineate the great bets by mathematizing everything. Trust me on the house edges. If I mathematically go through all the details, I would bore you (and I would bore me too). Suffice it to say, we are entering a new world of roulette play – for great, good, bad, ugly and sinful bets. Take a deep breath, here we go.

The Great Roulette Bets: No. 1

The best bet at roulette can be found on the European/French game (0) on the even-money bets of red/black, odd/even and high/low. These bets are called “even-money” bets because they pay back even money, not because they are 50/50 propositions between the casino and the player. The casino will win 19 decisions and the player will win 18 decisions. 

The casino might have a rule called en prison which means that if the green or blue zero hits (sometimes these wheels have a blue zero instead of a green one), the player betting one of those “even-money” propositions only loses half of his or her bet. 

The casino will not collect the bet but will allow it to ride for the next spin.

This reduces the house edge from 2.7% to 1.35%. Yes, this becomes one of the very, very best bets in the casino. Only blackjack comes in lower than this. Even the best bets at craps will come in slightly higher! Wow! (Don’t count the odds bets because you need another bet to make it!) We’re talking a major benefit here for even-money roulette bettors.

Sadly, not all European/French games have this rule and many that do will not have a sign on the table to indicate it. In fact, most won’t. What should you do? Just ask! This great bet can be the difference between a close game and a not-so-close game. Asking can’t hurt you, can it? “Sir, do you have en prison on these bets?” (No big deal to ask.)

If you are a high roller, some casinos will offer this bet to keep you playing in their casino. Again, just ask! Casinos can make separate rules for different players. The higher the roller you have the higher chance that you can get some consideration on the games you enjoy playing. Few casino players know that the casino is very flexible at times in its game and/or in their payouts.

Another Great Bet: No. 2

Yes, we are beginning our descent from great great bets to just great but this is casino play and you don’t always have the best given to you at all times in your play. Come on, we all know this. 

[Please note: Some critics of casino play think the casinos would be happy to have its players just mail in a check without ever playing. That would be true of just about every business in the world. A movie premiere would make a ton of money if the movie didn’t have to be made or distributed. Same with your local grocery store. Just give them the money and forget about their inventory or regularly eating.]

This next one appears at the American game (0, 00). Again, we are playing one of the even-money bets of red/black, odd/even and high/low where the house will win 20 decisions and the player would win 18 decisions. (The house edge at this game is 5.26%, which is somewhat high, although the game is leisurely.)

The American game will sometimes offer surrender which means the casino will only take half of the player’s losing bet. This reduces the house edge in half, to 2.63%, a somewhat decent house edge from its 5.26% edge. It is always better to have your house edge reduced by half, wouldn’t you say?

Much like the European/French game, most casinos will not advertise that they have this option. Again, just ask. You have nothing to lose by asking for a better game. There are some areas where every casino in a given venue offers this option but you will not see any signs on any roulette tables telling you so.

Coming Down: Just a Regular Edge Here

The European/French game in and of itself is a decent roulette game overall. That 2.7% house edge is not to be sneezed at (at least not into the ear of the person playing next to you). 

Just as in the American game, the European/French game of roulette is leisurely. Yes, it is good to play at tables with other players so the game slows somewhat more. Fewer decisions for the players are always a good thing. More decisions are always better for the casino. That’s a good rule to remember: less is good for the player, more is good for the house.

There is one problem with the European/French game in America; you won’t find it in most casinos. In the casinos that have both the American game and the European/French game, the latter one will probably have much higher minimum bets to make sure it makes enough money for the house. Such is casino life.

Next: Sadly, The Ladder Begins Its Arrival

We just stepped off a high ladder and we are beginning to fall a long way to the ground. We are at the American game (0, 00) in its full glory and that glory can be problematic in terms of the resident house edge.

The house edge on the American game is 5.26%. As a house edge that is pretty high and if that were the only thing you had to think about when you are playing this game, well, maybe you shouldn’t play it. But it isn’t the only thing to think about. You can have other thoughts too. Good thoughts.

Roulette, as I have said already, is a leisurely game and it gets even more leisurely when more players are playing than when fewer players are playing. These more players have to make bets and making those bets at a full or semi-full table means some time has to pass to give the bettors time to get their bets out there and for the dealers to collect losing bets. Maybe you can get in 40 decisions an hour. That would be great. The house edge in that case is not so devastating. 

Both blackjack and mini-baccarat come in with much faster games and far more decisions per hour. Blackjack can play 100 decisions or even more per hour. Mini-baccarat is a whirlwind of 150 (or more) hands per hour. 

While both blackjack and mini-baccarat have very low house edges (mini-baccarat on two of its three bets). Mini-baccarat has a 1.06% edge on the banker bet and a 1.24% house edge on the player bet. Blackjack has about a 0.5% house edge but you can play 100 to 150 bets per hour on both games.

Indeed, roulette actually makes up some ground by being such a leisurely game. The hurt isn’t too bad if you keep the number of decisions somewhat contained. That is a truism to trust.

The Bottom Line

We’ve seen some interesting highlights of the two traditional games of roulette. Blaise Pascal would be happy if he knew you are taking such an interest in his game.

This section does not have outrageous bets. None will scare any roulette player. Why should they? Roulette players love the game.

But our next article? Well, we shall see just how awful some roulette bets can be.

All the best in and out of the casinos!
 

Most people can easily recognize the traditional games one might find in a casino. Walk in almost any casino in the world, and a few games stand out – slot machines, blackjack tables, the craps pit, baccarat, and more.

These are certainly some of the most popular options and many of these games trace their history back centuries. But some regions of the world, casinos, and cultures also offer some more unique gambling options that might not be found in every casino on the Vegas Strip or in a high-end Monte Carlo casino. Here’s a look at some unique gaming options from around the world.

1 – Pachinko

Most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan with just a few exceptions. Pachinko is one of those and these highly popular mechanical games offer some low-stakes wagering options for gamblers across the country. The games might be seen as similar to slot machines in a traditional casino.

Pachinko parlors can be found throughout Japan and the games resemble a vertical pinball machine where players make use of small metal balls. Players pull a lever that launches a ball up to the top of the machine. The ball then bounces around until it falls down the face of the machine. The goal is to land balls into receptacles along the way that can award more of the balls.

The metal balls are similar to tokens in older-style slots. The goal is to collect as many balls as possible. While it’s not technically legal to exchange the balls for real money, players can seek out a vendor off site and exchange them for cash. These vendors then exchange the balls back with the Pachinko parlor for cash themselves with a commission for the effort.

A round of Pachinko is similar to the “Plinko” game on the American game show The Price is Right. Pachinko was invented in the 1920s and was originally geared toward children. However, adults soon took to the game and the first commercial parlor opened in 1948. The game now represents an industry worth billions of dollars a year.

“Each year, Japanese gamblers spend $200 billion on vertical pinball-like slot machines called Pachinko,” Business Insider notes. “That's 30 times the annual gambling revenue of Las Vegas, double Japan's export car industry, and more than New Zealand’s entire GDP.”

Like slot machines, the games were originally based all on mechanical inner workings. However, newer machines feature more electronic components making the games more similar to video slots. Today’s Pachinko parlors look similar to casinos with gamblers shooting ball after ball on the machines with hopes of a nice payout.

2 – Chicken Challenge

In 2002, the Tropicana in Las Vegas unveiled a unique game quite different from traditional casino games. The property introduced the Chicken Challenge in 2002, which had gamblers squaring off against an actual chicken in a game of Tic-Tac-Toe. The launch came after the game brought some earlier success in Atlantic City.

Members of the Tropicana’s players club were given one game per day against the chicken, known as Ginger. Players used a touchscreen to mark their own selections as Ginger pecked her moves inside the game. The Chicken Dance song even played as gamblers made their selections.

The game was quite an attraction, with many players bringing their best skills in to try and outwit the chicken. But Ginger was no bird brain and left most casino guests walking away a loser and perhaps in a “fowl” mood. Those handing Ginger a loss had a chance at winning $10,000, so casino management apparently knew that this bird indeed had plenty of brains.

The Chicken Challenge has been featured in numerous casinos and the Las Vegas Advisor offered the complete history of the game in 2021.

“Patriarch Bunky Boger, a former rodeo clown, first started running the chicken tic-tac-toe game at county and state fairs around the South, charging 25 cents per game,” the Advisor noted. “Evidently, some casino marketer must have discovered it; at its peak in the early 2000s, Boger was earning $4,000 a week leasing chickens to casinos. He never revealed his training secrets, but was quoted as saying that it took several months and included a special diet. He also said that he was working on a chicken that dealt blackjack (though we assume he was pulling the leg of that particular interviewer, who of course reported it as fact).”

3 – Catch a Wave

Some casino games require players to have a bit of a deeper knowledge of the rules when playing, such as craps or blackjack, while others require a lot less of players. Catch a Wave seems to fall in the latter category.
 
This is a card game that featured eight decks and found its way into a few casinos in the early 2000s, notably Foxwoods in Connecticut. Players were required to guess whether the upcoming card would be higher or lower than the previous card. The game plays similar to the 1980s game show Card Sharks, in which contestants went through a similar process for a chance to win some cash.

The casino version of course includes some twists. The gameplay involved the player against the dealer much like blackjack or baccarat. Six straight  correct picks paid out 6 to 1, while an incorrect pick sent the bet to the house.

The dealer also made selections and predetermined rules limited his drawing possibilities and play. Payouts are based on varying draws and selection, but the general theme is that players are selecting whether one card is higher or lower than the previous card.

4 – Silver Strike slot machines

While this game isn’t exactly unique, these classic games are known for some of their unique payouts. The classic coin-based games date back to the early 1990s and offered a bit of something different for gamblers who found a nice spin of the reels.

As the name implies, the Silver Strike slots not only dispensed coins or slot tokens to winners, but coils also dish out a collectible silver coin to winners as well. Finding the machines isn’t easy but the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas introduced a pair of the games in 2020, although they no longer use coins and have been completely refurbished.

The Plaza Silver Strikes award special $10 silver-clad coins that give players an option: hand on to that piece of silver as a collector’s item or trade them in for cash. The silver coins have become a bit of sought-after item among those who enjoy gambling on vintage machines.

Those who can’t get to the Plaza – or strike out – can head to the Internet, where plenty are on sale for casino memorabilia collectors. Here’s a look at a winning spin:

5 – Pica Horse Racing

While this isn’t usually found in a casino, Pica Horse Racing is found throughout the island of Puerto Rico at fairs, festivals, cantinas, and other events. The gambling game has been around for decades and brings the excitement of horse racing and wagering to small towns throughout the island.

Image by: Sean Chaffin

Gamblers will quickly realize that the game is a bit similar to roulette. But instead of a white marble rolling around a wheel, Pica has a wild setup that offers plenty of fun. A wooden and metal machine featuring 24 horses is positioned behind a corresponding table with a grid of all 24 numbered horses.

The wooden horses are usually intricately carved and painted like small works of art. Each is attached to a small metal dowel that carries them 360 degrees around the top surface of the machine.

Pica wagering is fast and furious – and all cash – as bettors select (or “pica” horse) an individual number and get paid 20-1 for selecting a winner. Other wagers include placing a buck or two on an intersection of four numbered squares, thus claiming four horses. Odds differ on various bets.

After all wagers are made, the piquero cranks a handle, sending the horses spinning around the tabletop. Gears built inside the machine ensure a slow conclusion to the race with plenty of excitement. Onlookers must wait until the very last row of horses creeps to a stop.

The horse closest to the line without going past is declared  the winner. The piquero then collects the bets and pays out the winners. The “picking” then starts all over again.

6 – Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

A dreidel is similar to a top and a popular toy among Jewish children during Hanukkah. And while not necessarily found in casinos, some have taken to incorporating some traditional style gambling when giving that dreidel a spin.

A dreidel features four sides, each with a Hebrew letter inscribed. These include nun, gimel, hey (or chai), and shin. Players begin with the same number of game pieces or chips, adding one to the pot at the beginning of each round. 

A player then spins the dreidel once with the outcome determined by how the dreidel falls. “Nun” means “nothing” and the next player spins. “Gimmel” means “everything” and the player wins the whole pot. “Hey” (half) rewards the player with half the pot, and “Shin” (put in) commands the player add another chip to the pot.

Obviously the game wasn’t meant for casino style gambling, but has been embraced by some nonetheless as the video below shows. As casinos look to add more gaming options, perhaps a dreidel-style game might be a good idea.

7 – Card Craps

Gamblers heading to the craps tables in some tribal casinos may be surprised at the action when dropping a few dollars on the Pass Line. There are no dice at some properties and dealers instead shuffle some cards and draw a couple out to determine the “roll” of what might have been dice at another casino.

Why playing cards and not a set of normal dice? Some tribal properties, such as in California and Oklahoma, fall under certain regulations where only card games are allowed but not traditional dice games. To skirt this rule, casinos introduced cards to the table instead.

Some properties have players selecting two cards from a complete 52 deck with a certain combination matching up to a roll of the dice. Other casinos have a player drawing only one card from a select number with values on each card.

Those who have played Card Craps may notice quite a different vibe at the table. Part of the game’s fun is cheering along with fellow players as those dice tumble down the table and hopefully hit the point number.

Craps using cards is much more subdued however. There is no throwing of the dice, no tumbling down the felt – simply a selection and turn of the cards. Part of the game’s mystery and action is removed when simply using paper rather than dice. But when you’re looking for some craps and there aren’t any other options, drawing a card for that point number isn’t so bad.

8 – Pinball Roulette

This is a game found at some online casinos where, as the name implies, pinball is combined with the traditional casino game of roulette. The game featured a ball as on any traditional roulette wheel, but instead of a croupier spinning the wheel around the wheel, the player pulls a hammer that sends the ball high above an unorthodox roulette setup.

Similar to Pachinko (see above), the ball bounces around among several obstacles as gravity pulls it toward the bottom of the gaming area. Along the bottom are a horizontal row of black and red colored numbers just like in a traditional roulette game. The ball eventually lands in one of the numbered slots along the bottom. If you have that number or color, then you’re a winner.

The game is fairly obscure but is a unique twist on a casino classic. Older similar games with real mechanical workings also exist, some with a round center featuring numbers and the ball launched and then falling in the circular area before coming to a stop.

More modern versions come across more as a traditional roulette game with the player simply launching the ball and not the “bumper” experience of the pinball version. Either way, you still have to pick a winner.

Understanding the statistics used by casinos is essential in evaluating results. We use this to determine whether the results, bad or good, are a function of luck or skill. Here I will apply the statistical analysis to blackjack, but with minimal effort this can be applied to any casino game.

Blackjack does not adhere to the traditional mathematical laws of gaming. Most games of chance reflect the mathematical concept known as “the law of independent trials” that states that past events have no relevance on future events.

If a coin is flipped there is a 50% chance that the outcome would be heads and a 50% chance that the outcome would be tails. If the coin comes up 10 heads in a row the next flip would again have a 50% chance of coming up heads. In blackjack what happens in the past directly affects what happens in the future. Blackjack has memory, and the law of independent trials is not valid.

A Look at Advantages

In blackjack, each card has a specific value that it adds to, or subtracts from, the initial advantage that the casino has over the player. When enough of the right cards are dealt, the advantage swings in the players favor.

In blackjack when an ace or 10 value card is dealt the casino advantage over the player increases. When lower value cards are put in play the casino advantage decreases, and when enough of these cards are dealt, the player has an advantage over the casino. 

When an abundance of high cards remains, the player has an advantage over the casino. This occurs for several reasons. First, blackjacks are dealt more frequently, and since the payoff on a blackjack is asymmetric (the player gets paid 3:2 on a player blackjack, but only loses his initial bet on a dealer blackjack), this benefits the player.

Secondly, some of the player options become more valuable, such as splitting and doubling down. Usually a player would like to see a high card come out when doubling down or splitting, or the player exercises these options when the dealer is weak and a high card is likely to break the dealer.

These plays have a higher return when the deck is rich in high cards. Finally, the player may vary his strategy depending upon the composition of the remaining cards. With a preponderance of high cards, the player can stand on more stiff hands (totals of 12-16), double down more often with strong totals or when the dealer is weak and susceptible to going over 21. In contrast, the rules prohibit the dealer from varying his strategy.

Inside the Numbers

A strategy that gives an advantage of 1% means that for every hand of blackjack that is played at $100, the Expected Value is $1. This is calculated by the expected value equation in equation 1.    

EV = BET SIZE (X) % ADVANTAGE (X) # HANDS PLAYED

Equation 1

If we apply the expected value scenario to a flip of a coin we know that there are two sides to a coin so we have 50% chance of landing on heads and a 50% chance of landing on tails so the equation for how many heads we expect for 100 flips of a coin is in Equation 2. This is a single variable equation and the bet size can be set equal to 1.

EV= ½ (X) 100

Equation 2

When a coin is flipped 100 times the outcome is rarely exactly 50 heads and 50 tails. Therefore we must introduce the concept of variance per number of events. Variance is a measure of statistical dispersion. In layman’s terms, it deals with how far away from the expected value the result of a trial or experiment might be.

To stick with the coin flip example, variance helps answer the question of whether or not it would be surprising if we observed 45 heads out of 100 trials, or if we observed only five heads in 100 coin flips. The answers are no and yes. Getting only five heads in 100 coin flips would virtually prove you were flipping a weighted coin.

Understanding this concept is crucial since a proper statistical analysis is required in order to determine if the team’s results (good or bad) are a function of luck or skill.

A Look at Variance

Variance is usually discussed in terms of standard deviations, and that will be the case going forward in this discussion. Standard deviation is simply the square root of the variance. The standard deviation for a series of trials is given by Equation 3.

Std. Deviation = (Std. Deviation for a single event) X (Number of Events)^(1/2)

Equation 3

The following figure shows how likely results are to fall within one, two and three standard deviations of the expected result. In the graphical representation the expected value is indicated by the Greek letter MU and the Standard Deviation is represented by the Greek letter SIGMA.

 
According to the Gaussian distribution curve, there is just over a 68% chance that the result will be within one standard deviation, plus or minus of the expected value. There is a just over a 95% chance that the results will be within two standard deviations, plus or minus of the expected value. There is approximately a 100% chance that the results will be within three standard deviations at any given time.

Applying this to the scenario of 100 flips of a coin we conclude that the standard deviation for 100 trials is 10 times the standard deviation for a single trial (which is 0.5), which yields a standard deviation of 5 for the 100 trial experiment.

In the coin flip scenario we expect the 50 of the 100 flips to land on heads and 50 of the 100 to land on tails. Including the standard deviation concept of plus or minus 5, there is a 68% chance that for a 100 flips of a coin the coin will land somewhere between 45 and 55 heads and the balance tails. 

Applying the expected value and standard deviation equations to the betting unit of 100 dollars with a 1% total advantage the following results are computed.

Graphically it is represented as follows.

As the number of events increases, the standard deviation gets smaller and smaller relative to the expected value. At some point along the curve the expected value and standard deviations intersect.

At this point there is an 84% chance that the standard deviation will be less than the expected value. This gives an 84% chance that a profit will be made. When the number of events increases beyond that point the percentage increases logarithmically. This is pictorially shown in the following graph.

FOR SIMPLICITY THE STANDARD DEVIATION VALUE IS ABSOLUTE

The intersect point between the expected value and standard deviation is just below 12,000 hands. At 12,000 hands there is an 84% chance that the expected value will surpass the negative standard deviation, indicating a positive EV 84% of the time.

When the overall advantage is increased the “equivalence” point, or the number of hands at which the expected value equals the standard deviation, is reached in fewer hands. Computing the same graph with 2% advantage the graph shows an equivalence point of 5,600 hands. 

FOR SIMPLICITY THE STANDARD DEVIATION VALUE IS ABSOLUTE

Adding to an Advantage

The most effective way to increase an advantage is to have a high betting spread. In an ideal scenario a player bets a lot when there is an advantage and nothing when there is no advantage.

Imagine a game where when a coin is flipped and when it lands on heads the person gets paid 2 units and when the coin lands on tails the person has to pay 1 unit. Would you play that game? Most people would say yes.

However, you have to make sure that you have enough units to overcome any negative swings that you may encounter. If a person only had 4 units to wager it is possible that the coin could land on tails 4 times in a row and the person would have lost all their funds. However, if a person had 100 units they would have enough funds to outlast the negative swings of the game, and there is a very good chance that game would be profitable to the player.

In casino gaming, enough funds are required to outlast any negative swings that may occur. In general the more funds you have the better chance of success you have. This is why casinos often outlast players because the player is never able to get the long run and overcome the statistical speed bumps that occur.

Roulette is a popular casino game that is based on chance. It is played by spinning a ball around a wheel and betting on which slot the ball will land on. While the outcome of each spin is theoretically random, some people believe that physics principles can be used to predict the outcome of the game. But is it really possible to use physics to gain an advantage at the roulette table?

Mechanics of Roulette

The answer to this question is not a straightforward one. On one hand, physics can be used to make predictions about the motion of objects, including the ball and the wheel in a game of roulette. On the other hand, there are many variables that can affect the outcome of the game, and some of these variables are difficult or impossible to predict with accuracy.

 

 

Let's start by examining the mechanics of roulette. The game is played using a wheel that contains numbered slots. The slots are colored either red or black, and there is a green slot numbered zero (or sometimes two zeros) that gives the casino a house edge.

The ball used in roulette is usually made of ivory or plastic, and it is spun around the edge of the wheel by a croupier. As the ball loses momentum, it falls into one of the slots on the wheel, and the number on that slot determines the outcome of the spin.

The outcome of each spin is theoretically random, but in reality, there are many factors that can affect the trajectory of the ball and the roulette wheel. For example, the initial position and velocity of the ball can affect where it lands on the wheel, as can the properties of the wheel and the ball itself. The design of the wheel and the pockets can also influence the outcome of the game.

Physics and Predicting Roulette

One of the most important factors that can affect the outcome of a roulette spin is friction. Friction between the ball and the wheel can cause the ball to slow down and change direction as it moves around the wheel. Air resistance can also affect the motion of the ball, and imperfections in the wheel can cause it to wobble or tilt, which can further affect the outcome of the game.

Is it feasible to accurately anticipate the outcome of a roulette spin given all these factors? Well, that is the answer—at least in part. As a result of their research into the rules of roulette, physicists have created mathematical models that, to a certain extent, accurately forecast the game's outcome.

The so-called "Roulette Physics" system is one such example. This system makes use of the laws of motion and fundamental physics concepts to forecast the results of a roulette spin. The system demands a skilled player who can keep track of and record information on the wheel's and ball's speeds, the ball's position when it is released, and other variables that may have an impact on the game's outcome.

The player can then use this information to forecast where the ball will most likely land on the wheel. Depending on how much information is gathered and how effectively the player can comprehend it, these predictions will either be accurate or not. Some players assert that they have a success rate of up to 60–70% when predicting the result of a roulette spin.

 

Limitations and Countermeasures

The Roulette Physics system, like other similar systems, uses physics to predict the outcome of roulette spins, but it has some drawbacks as well. One reason is that these systems call for an expert player with the ability to see and record data in real-time, which takes a lot of training and expertise.

Additionally, these systems can only make predictions based on the variables that are observable and measurable, and there are many variables that cannot be accurately predicted, such as imperfections in the wheel or changes in air pressure.

 

 

Finally, casinos are aware of these techniques and take measures to prevent players from using them to gain an advantage. For example, they may use automated wheels that are designed to eliminate some of the variables that players can use to make predictions. They may also use multiple wheels or change the wheels frequently to prevent players from observing and collecting data on the game.

In addition to these measures, casinos may also use surveillance technology to monitor players and detect any attempts to use physics or other techniques to cheat. Any players caught using these techniques can be banned from the casino or even face legal consequences.

Summary

Given all these limitations and countermeasures, it is clear that physics alone cannot guarantee success at the roulette table. While it is possible to use physics to make predictions about the outcome of the game, these predictions are not 100% accurate and cannot account for all the variables that affect the game.

Furthermore, even if a player is able to make accurate predictions based on physics, there are still many other factors that can influence the outcome of the game, such as luck, other players' bets, and the house edge.

In conclusion, while physics can be used to anticipate how items will move, such as the roulette ball and wheel, it is not possible to use physics to forecast the game's outcome with confidence. The ball's and the wheel's trajectory can be affected by a wide range of factors, some of which are impossible to anticipate with any degree of accuracy.

Although some players assert that they have had success using physics-based systems, these systems demand a high level of expertise and experience, and they can be constrained by casino countermeasures. The outcome of a roulette game ultimately depends on chance, therefore players should go into the game knowing what their odds of winning are.

Video poker may not find the popularity of casino games like slots and blackjack or even the live version of poker found in card rooms and in home games around the world. However, this game still has a loyal following of players who love to jump in the action when heading to Las Vegas, their local casino, or on an online casino.

Video poker can be a great way to relax with a cocktail and find some nice wins if a player can master basic strategy on one of the games offered on an individual machine. This form of gambling also offers an interactivity not found on traditional slots.

The game also has an interesting history that traces video poker from 18th Century poker machines that were similar to slots to early games that grew popular during the rise of the personal computer. Here’s a brief look at the history of video poker.

1 – The basics of video poker

While these games are traditionally considered slot machines, they are played very differently. There are no spinning reels and players actually have some choices in how the game may turn out. Video poker is also one of the rare games where In certain situations, players can even turn the tables on the casino and flip the odds in their favor.

But that comes with plenty of practice and perfect use of basic strategy. Combine that with casino reward points accrued and video poker can be a great game for players.

It’s important to note that video poker is actually an overall category of games and players parking themselves at a game will usually find several options to play. The basics of the game are played basically like the live poker game Five Card Draw. Players are dealt five cards and then have the option to keep all, some, or none of the cards they’re dealt.

Like on a slot, certain results pay out higher than others and players can decide how many credits they want to play per hand. Here’s a look at a few of the more popular video poker options.

• Jacks or Better – In this game players must have a pair of Jacks or higher to register a win. There are several versions of this game with varying bonuses, and strategies can differ for each. 
• Deuces Wild – This is another popular version of video poker and is a good option for players who like a bit more action. As the name implies, aa deuces are wild in this game. There are more options to win, but payouts may be smaller. There are also numerous versions of this game as well.
• Joker's Wild – This is another version of video poker with the Joker in the deck and serving as a wild card. One version of the game allows players to win with a minimum of a pair and another version doesn’t pay out unless you have a pair of Kings or higher. Here’s a guide on how to play Joker’s Wild.

There are several other versions of video poker games such as Aces and Eights, Pick'em Poker (also known as Pick a Pair Poker), ACE$ Bonus Poker, and more.

2 – Early versions of video poker

Unlike modern table games and even slot machines, video poker games are fairly new to the world of gambling. As the name implies a true “video” poker game wouldn’t be available until well into the age of computer screens.

However, the popularity of poker in the late 19th Century inspired a company in Brooklyn, New York, to create a poker machine that was released in 1891. The game proved popular and could soon be found across the country.

Abou this same time, slot machines began debuting at bars and restaurants throughout California and spread quickly across the country. Both games originally didn’t pay out only in cash.

“On many early machines, players put in a coin, after which the machine flipped through five sets of cards that displayed in a window,” David Schwartz noted in the Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling. “Lucky players won a prize in proportion to the strength of their hand: two pair might garner only one cigar (or its cash equivalent, a nickel), while a full house might win four.”

Poker was particularly popular in San Francisco, California, and so were the poker machines. This is also where Charles Fey began perfecting his first Liberty Bell slot machine, which also proved popular in the area. Fey also built what he called the Card Bell in 1998, which turned out to be the first poker machine to pay out winners automatically with coins.

One can see where this was headed. Fey could only develop three reels for his cards, and the game instead became the precursor to today’s modern slot machines. Slots and video poker remain coupled together in casinos even today.

But there seems to be quite a bit of time between those early versions and what we know as video poker today. When personal computers began popping up in the 1970s, so did some of the first video poker games. Video poker dates its history back to a time when computers began becoming more a part of everyday life.

Similar to those earlier poker machines, the games now offered a better experience and some interactivity for players. The game of video poker earned a real shot in the arm in 1979 with the release of Draw Poker from a company named SIRCOMA (Si Redd's Coin Machines). The company was founded in 1975 by Redd, who also owned a casino in Mesquite, Nevada, but would soon see a name change and some massive growth. 

SIRCOMA later evolved into International Game Technology (IGT), now one of the largest slot machine manufacturers in the world. Redd eventually became known as the “king of slot machines” and is a member of the Gaming Hall of Fame and the Nevada Business Hall of Fame.

Redd’s Draw Poker was a hit and helped contribute to the company’s growth. As in a game like Five Card Draw, players dropping a few coins in the machine could select the cards they wanted to keep and also choose the ones they wanted to throw back and draw again.

Draw Poker’s popularity saw a major bump in the 1980s. Many players like the laid-back feel of playing the games, which are now often found at bar tops in Las Vegas and in other casino jurisdictions. Those who enjoyed playing poker in home games, but might be a bit nervous about playing a casino card room also enjoyed some time at Draw Poker machines.

“It was not the first attempt at a video poker machine,” Roll the Bones notes about Draw Poker, “but it was the most successful.”

3 – Modern video poker

While modern slot machines have seen massive improvements since their early ancestors, the modernization of video poker machines has been more gradual. Slots are the most popular games in the casino and computer technology have amped up the graphics, sound, and game features in the last couple decades.

Those types of bells and whistles have yet to come to the world of slot machines and those games of the ‘70s and ‘80s probably look a bit more like the games we see today. However, there have been some updates in the last few decades.

As noted earlier, players have more options on what types of games they’d like to play, such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker’s Wild, and more.

Many players today also enjoy playing multiple-hand games that are available now at numerous casinos. These offer players a chance to play as many as 100 hands at once, cashing out for bigger wins on the drawing possibilities of a single hand all at once.

For some players, the casual atmosphere and gameplay that comes with video poker is a nice alternative to the hyperactivity, bells and whistles, and house edge that come with playing traditional slot machines.

Savvy video poker players have a real chance to find some winnings, depending on their skills. Some video poker players practicing perfect strategy can tip the odds of a game in their favor as well. Those who find nice casino comps can find even bigger advantages.

Of course, many casinos find ways to alter some of the payouts and tip the odds in their favor. That has made it important for video poker players to check out how each game pays out and know what games to watch for. For more information on this aspect of play, click here.

In recent years, video poker may have waned a bit in popularity compared to games like slots and traditional poker. Casinos still regularly offer the game to players. Many Las Vegas players especially enjoy the game at properties catering to locals. These casinos usually feature lower denominations and often better payouts odds than those geared toward tourists on the Las Vegas Strip.

Brush up on strategy and the next time you’re in a casino, drop a few coins in and see how things play out. You may just walk away a winner.

4 – Frequently asked questions

What is a video poker game?

Video poker is a form of slot machine that allows players to play several versions of draw poker. Players decide which cards they want to keep and which they want to draw. The games also usually feature several betting limits and are usually grouped with slot machines.

When was video poker invented?

Although poker machines date back to the late 19th Century, around the time of the invention of the first slot machines, actual “video” poker began appearing in the 1970s. The growth of the personal computer gave rise to video poker and casino players were drawn to the Draw Poker version throughout the 1980s. The games were part of the growth of technology in the casino industry.

Can a player beat the house in video poker?

On some favorable terms, players using perfect strategy can see the odds turn in their favor. Players looking to do this should have an idea into which game is more favorable to this and also which game they are best at. Smart players can work on their skills and have a chance to win. 
 

Don’t be afraid. 

I know that many novice craps players or players initially looking over the craps game, perhaps thinking they might try it, can be intimidated by the layout which seems as complicated as cuneiform writing or Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Yes, that layout does seem complicated but in truth the game is easy to play and if played properly gives the player a decent chance of beating the house on any given session. Of course, the key words here are “if played properly.”

Craps is a game that is often played incorrectly by players who make some of the worst bets in the game, which translates into some of the worst bets in the casino as well. Bad bets make it much, much tougher to have a victory over the casinos’ mathematical edges at craps and other games.

[Please note: While I love to discuss different betting styles at various games, including craps, there are bets that are good and there are bets that are bad. I’ll always let my readers know where I stand on various betting methods even as I write about them.]

Down and Dirty

I am going to give you a way to play craps immediately upon arriving at the table; even if you know nothing about how the game is actually played. Take any combination of six dollars ($6, $12, $18, $24, $30 and up) that will be used for a single bet. Place it on the table and say, “Twelve dollars on the six” or “Twelve dollars on the eight.” 

The dealer will take your chips and place them on the number you’ve indicated. Should the shooter roll your number you win $14. Should the shooter roll the 7, you lose your $12. 

Why do you win more than you lose? Because the 7 will come up six times as opposed to the number 6 (or the number 8) coming up five times. All the other numbers that the shooter rolls are irrelevant to your bet. In short, they don’t count.

[Please note: The house edge against a player using this method is 1.52 percent. It means an expected loss over time of $1.52 per $100 wagered. This is one of the best bets at craps and one of the best bets in the casino. You can make this bet and not have any idea of how the game of craps is played. This bet is to be made after the come-out roll once the shooter has established his or her point number.]  

Playing the Fundamental Game

Here’s the bottom line in what you need to know to understand the game:

Take a look at that craps layout again. Now close your eyes and say to yourself something such as this: “Almost all bets at craps are bad bets. I will not make any bad bets – ever! – because I want to have the best chance to win some money from this rich casino.”

Following that advice then just about all those weird-looking symbols on the layout can remain unneeded and utterly useless knowledge for you. They represent bets not good to make or even care about. In the future, if you wish, you can discover what those bad bets mean but we don’t have to do that for our first trips into the game. 

If you are already playing the game, but really want to up your chances to win, then you too should follow the advice in this article.

Playing Smart is Playing Right!

Closest to the player is a line that goes around the whole layout. This line is called the Pass Line and it is the indicator of the game. 

A player is passed five dice from which he chooses two. He is the shooter. Every player gets the chance to shoot the dice if he or she so wishes.

The shooter places a bet on the Pass Line. This initial roll is called “the come-out roll” and if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, he wins his bet on the Pass Line at even money. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12, he loses his Pass Line bet. There are eight chances to roll a winner and four chances to roll a loser. 

A winning or losing bet on the come-out roll sets up the shooter to roll another come-out roll. However, should the shooter roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that becomes the point number. The shooter must now roll that number before he or she rolls a 7, which would end the shooter’s turn and lose anyone who bet on the Pass Line their wager.

The Pass Line wager comes in with a house edge of 1.41% or a loss or $1.41 per $100 wagered. This is another good bet.

And that is the basic game. 

There are other variations of how to bet on the come-out roll but these are not used by many players and those who do use them are generally disliked by the other players. Such bets are called “darksider bets” where the player is actually rooting for the shooter to roll a 7 instead of his point number. As a beginning player don’t bother with the dark side bets.  

[Please note: One of the most enjoyable elements of a craps game is taking the dice into your own hand and trying to beat the house. It is the only game where your “skill” at shooting might give you and other players a win. Unless you are the type of person who becomes overly nervous don’t give up your chance to roll “dem bones.”]

The Come Bets

Another excellent bet is called the come bet and you can see a rather large area of the layout marked COME. Once the shooter has established his point number, players can put bets in the come area. This bet works exactly like the Pass Line bet: it wins on the 7 or 11 and loses on the 2, 3, and ties on 12.

If the shooter rolls one of the point numbers (also called a box number), the come bet goes up on that number. If the 7 rolls the come bet loses; if that number rolls, the come bet wins.

The house edge on the come bet is 1.41%, the exact same as the Pass Line bet. That’s it. You can bet Pass Line or come or place the 6 and/or 8. Once again, that’s it. These bets are all good wagers at the game of craps.

How Many Bets Should You Take?

You can have as many come bets as there are box numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10). Most players will use multiple bets as they love the action of having multiple numbers working against the house. This is a dangerous playing technique as it can be quite costly quite quickly at times.

I don’t recommend multiple bets as the best method of play. Why allow the house edge to work against so much money? Each bet a player makes comes with a price. The more numbers a player bets, the more the expected losses over time. There is no way of getting around that.

Oddly Enough

There is one other little wrinkle to the above betting – a good little wrinkle at that!  It’s called the odds. The odds is an additional bet that can be made after a point is established by the shooter or a box number has been chosen on the come bet.

The odds are placed on the Pass Line bet, behind the original chips and it is placed on top of a come bet by a dealer for the player. These odds work without a house edge, meaning they are paid off at their proper rate. The 4 and 10 are paid off at 2 to 1; the 5 and 9 are paid off at 3 to 2; and the 6 and 8 are paid off at 6 to 5. These are the true odds of the bets and thus the bet is called – you guessed it – the odds.

It is always best to make your Pass Line and come bets small and take the most you can afford in odds. If a casino has double odds, a $5 Pass Line bet will allow you to take $10  in odds. A 10-odds game will allow a $5 bet to take $50 in odds. 

[Please note: Odds are often expressed this way: a double odds game will be 2X; a five odds game will be 5X; and so forth. The more the casino allows in odds, the better for the player as the odds have no house edge.]

Those Other Bets

I am going to do something unique here. I am going to list many of the “other” bets at craps without giving you their names. I am going to show you the cost to the player of these bets so you can compare them to the cost of the Pass Line and come bets and the place bets of the 6 and 8. I think that’s all you’ll need to know to eschew these bets in favor of the better bets.

Okay, remember that the Pass Line and come bets have a 1.41 percent edge, while the placing of the 6 or 8 comes in with an edge of 1.52%. That means a loss of $1.41 per $100 wagered on the Pass Line and come bets.

The loss on the 6 and 8 placements comes in at $1.52. The odds bet does not come with a house edge but these can only be made once a Pass Line or come bet is on a number. Cost of some other bets per $100: 

• $16.67 
• $13.89 
• $11.11
• $9.09
• $8.33
• $6.67
• $5.56
• $4

Yes, there are many more bets at the game but this list gives you an idea of the amazing spread of what your losing expectation can be. Why make bets that cost as much as almost 12 times the cost of the Pass, come and placements of the 6 and 8? That makes little sense to me as it is far easier to lose those bets over time than the better bets.

[Please note: There are many “branded” bets – for example, the Fire Bet and the high/low bet – that have been added to some craps tables. All of these additional bets come in with high house edges, some as high as 20 to 25%!]

Betting Bad Bets for Less Money

Many players will defend their bad betting practices by alluding to the fact that they bet bad bets for smaller amounts than their better bets. That makes no sense either. Less bad is still bad.

If a player wishes to throw out more money – even for small amounts – then why not throw that money out on better bets? If you were going to make a $5 bet on a bad bet, why not just put that $5 on the Pass Line bet or come bet? So instead of betting $20 on the Pass Line, why not go to $25? Your expected loss on that money will be far less than your expected loss on bad-bet money. Just take a look at the bad-bet losses players can experience in the above list and take those losing percentages seriously.

Summing It All Up

Bet only the best bets as described above: the Pass Line, the come bet, the odds on the Pass Line and come bets; and the placing of the 6 and 8.

Make only one bet per decision. Do not bet multiple numbers as this will only increase your expected losses over time. Money saved is money earned.

Once you are comfortable playing the right way, you can expand your knowledge of the game by reading my books Casino Craps: Shoot to Win! and I Am a Dice Controller! Yes this is a shameless plug but I fully believe those books give players everything they need to know how to play craps at an expert level.

All the best in and out of the casinos!
 

Most of the hands that you are dealt in Jacks or Better are a no-brainer. It’s obvious which cards you need to hold, and which ones you should discard. But then there are the not so obvious hands. You know, the ones that contain a low pair and a four-card flush, or worse, a high pair (which pays) along with four cards to the flush. You stare quizzically at the screen trying to figure out what to do with these hands.

Worry no more, because after you read this article you’ll be able to play these confusing hands when they pop up on the screen like a pro. Suppose you are dealt the following hand. 

2♦    3♦    4♠    5♥    3♣

If you look closely, you’ll realize you have two logical plays that you could make: 

1. Keep the low pair (3♠) and discard the 2, 4 and 5.
2. Discard one of the 3♠ and draw one card, hoping to get a straight.

How would you play it?

Any one of a number of popular video poker training software programs can be used to determine which of the above two playing options has a higher average return or Expected Value (EV).

In the above hand, your average return is 82 cents per dollar bet when you hold the 3♠, and only 62 cents per dollar bet if you hold the four-card straight and draw one card. The best play is always the one with the higher EV, which in this case is to hold the pair of 3♠.

If a hand containing a small pair is a better play than holding a four-card straight, then you’ll agree that the same would be true if the hand contained a high pair. 

Let’s formulate the above into a simple playing rule for Jacks or Better. (Note: A low pair means a pair of 10s or lower. A high pair means a pair of J’s through Aces.)

Rule #1: If your hand contains any pair and also four cards to a straight, keep the pair.

Take a look at this common hand. How would you play it?

        2♥    3♥    2♠    8♥    9♥

You have two logical plays. You could either:

1. Hold the four hearts to try for a flush.
2. Keep the pair of 2♠.

The play with the higher EV is to hold the four cards to the flush.
 
Rule #2: If your hand contains a four-card flush and also a small pair, keep the four flush cards.

What about the case where the hand contains a high pair (rather than a low pair), and four cards to the flush?  For example:

        J♥    3♥    J♠    5♥    8♥

Would you hold the high pair or the four-card flush? The play with the greater EV is to hold the high pair.

Rule #3: If your hand contains a four-card flush and also a high pair, keep the high pair.

Notice the difference between rules No. 2 and 3. If you have a four-card flush and a low pair, you go for the flush. However, if you have a high pair instead, keep the high pair.

Many players get confused when confronted with a hand that contains either a low or high pair along with four cards to the straight flush.  Suppose this hand pops up on your screen; how would you play it?

        4♠    5♠    6♠    7♠    7♣

The play with the higher EV is to hold the four cards to the straight flush.

What if the pair was a high pair such as in this hand?

        8♥    9♥    10♥    J♥    J♦

Even if you hold a high pair along with a four-card consecutive straight flush, the EV for the four-card straight flush is higher and is, therefore, the better play.

Suppose the four cards to the straight flush were not consecutive but had a gap, such as the following hand.

        7♥    9♥    10♥    J♥    J♦

Here we have four cards to the straight flush, but with a gap, since only one card — the 8♥ — completes the straight flush hand. However, the play with the greater EV is still to keep the four-card straight flush (with or without a gap) and break up the high pair.

If holding a four-card straight flush is the more profitable play in the above two examples, then, for sure, holding a four-card royal flush would also be the more profitable play. This leads to rule No. 4.

Rule #4: If your hand contains a four-card straight flush or royal flush (with or without gaps) and either a low or high pair, always keep the four-card straight flush or royal flush.

As you can imagine, most of the time that you hold four cards to a royal flush, you should discard the odd card and go for the royal. The only time you should not do this is if your hand also contains a five-card, made, straight flush as follows.

        9♦    10♦    J♦    Q♦    K♦

In this example, you should hold all five cards for an immediate straight flush payout of 250 coins.

Rule #5: If your hand contains four cards to the royal flush, always go for the royal except if your hand also contains a paying five-card straight flush.

Here’s another tricky hand. Suppose you are dealt the following.    
    
J♥    Q♥    A♥    5♥    K♥.

How would you play it? Most players would hold the paying five-card flush for an immediate 30-coin payout (assuming you wagered five coins). However, that would be a mistake. The hand with the higher EV is to hold the four-card royal flush.

Rule #6: If you are dealt a hand containing a four-card royal flush and a paying flush (or paying straight), go for the royal flush.

The next grouping of hands usually causes players fits. These are hands that contain only two or three high cards and nothing else. For example, how would you play this hand?

        4♣    7♣    J♦    Q♥    A♥

The correct play is to hold only the suited Ace and Queen (yes you should discard the Jack).

Rule #7: If your hand contains three high cards, keep the two suited high cards and discard the unsuited high card.

What if your initial hand contains three unsuited high cards such as

        4♣    7♣    J♦    Q♥    K♠?

As a general rule, you should hold all three unsuited high cards. The exception is if one of the high cards is an Ace, in which case you would discard the ace and hold the other two unsuited high cards. (The main reason you toss the Ace is you will make more straights, and the possibility for a full house and four of a kind.) 

Rule #8: If your hand contains three unsuited high cards, keep all three high cards except discard the ace.

Usually, if your hand contains nothing but a single high card, you should just keep it and draw four cards. However, you need to pay attention if your hand also contains a 10. If it does and it is the same suit as the high card (J, Q, K only), then you should keep the suited high card and the 10 and draw three cards.
    
10♠    7♥    9♦    5♣    Q♠

In the above hand, holding the suited Q-10 has a higher EV than holding just the Q. (Note: You should never hold a suited Ace-10, just hold the Ace.))    

Rule #9: If your hand contains a suited 10 and either a J, Q, or K, keep the suited 10 and picture card.

Look at the following hand. How would you play it?

        3♣    9♦    5♣    10♥    7♣

Most players would discard all five cards and draw five new ones. However, that would be a mistake. Look carefully at the hand. Do you see a three-card straight flush with two gaps? Holding the 3♣5♣7♣ has a slightly higher EV than tossing all five cards.

Rule #10: Before you toss all five cards because the hand doesn’t contain any high cards or other playable cards, check to be sure it doesn’t contain a three-card straight flush with two gaps. If so, hold the latter.

Blackjack is a game of numbers.

Regardless of whether you play live or online casinos, you have numbers for card values: 1 or 11 for an Ace, 10 for 10s and face cards, and face values such as 2 for 2s, 3 for 3s and so on for the rest.

Those lead to hand totals. A 9, a 3 and a 5 total 17. A Queen and a Jack total 20.

Twenty-one is an important number. If your total exceeds 21, you lose. If it's 21 or less, you win if your total is higher than the dealer's.

Another important number is 17. Dealers must hit a total of less than 17 and must stand on any total greater than 17. Seventeen itself is murky territory. Dealers always must stand on hard 17, but some casinos require dealers to hit soft 17.

Those restrictions on the dealer make possible basic strategy and its own number set. Your total and the number associated with the dealer's face-up card have been charted out to tell you whether hitting, standing, doubling down and splitting pairs gives you the best chance to profit.

Beneath the surface is another set of numbers that tells us more about the most popular table game.

34, or sometimes 55

Assuming card order and composition don't matter, there are 34 possible two-card starting hands for blackjack players.

That card order doesn't matter for players is a given. Regardless of whether your first two cards come with a 9 first and a 3 second, you have the same 12, and you see both cards before you can make a play.

If you consider all hard hands with the same two-card total as one possible hand, there are 34 starting hands. That counts hard 12 as one hand even though it can be made as 10-2, 9-3, 8-4 or 7-5. Two 6s are counted separately among pair hands rather than hard hands.

Similarly, the 34 total includes all pairs of 10 values as one hand, instead of separating out King-King vs. King-10, Queen-Jack or any other pair totaling 20.

That leaves 15 hard hands from 5 through 19; eight soft hands from Ace-2 through Ace-9; 10 pairs from Ace-Ace through 10 value-10 value, plus blackjack.

If you want to consider the different ways to make hard hands and the different ways to make pairs of 10s as separate hands, the number of starting hands climbs to 55.

To most players, the composition of a two-card total makes no difference. Some advanced players augment basic blackjack strategy by composition-dependent strategies.

For example, in a two-deck game where the dealer has a 4 face up, basic strategy indicates you should stand. However, those who take advantage of composition-dependent strategies stand on 9-3, 8-4 or 7-5 but hit on 10-2. The presence of the 10 in your hand makes it slightly less likely you'll bust.

That's enough in a close-call hand to shift strategies. It can be a bit much for a recreational player to track, but there is reason for advanced players to look at more than the basic 34 starting hands.

21 and 441

On average, your first two cards will include an Ace and a 10 value to make blackjack once per 21 hands.

The odds are exactly the same for the dealer. That means player and dealer will have blackjacks on the same and once per 21 times 21 hands, or once per 441.

Most of the time, your blackjack is going to win and get a premium payoff, but once per 441 hands you'll be dealt a blackjack that's pushed by a dealer blackjack.

1.4 percent

That premium payoff on blackjack mentioned above is 3-2 at most tables. That's the way it's been for more than a century. But some tables pay only 6-5 on blackjacks.

Some recreational players don't really understand the implications. If you bet $10, a 3-2 payoff on blackjack brings you $15 in winnings. If the payoff is only 6-5, your winnings are reduced to $12.

That happens often enough that this simple change increases the house edge by 1.4%. Given the entire edge against a basic strategy player in most blackjack games is less than 1%, a 1.4 increase is enormous. That rule alone suggests you should find a different casino with more player-friendly conditions.

52 vs. 312

If other rules are equal, why does a single-deck game have a lower house edge than a game with more decks?

It's because each card already dealt has a greater effect on the remaining deck when fewer cards are in play. That leads to a greater percentage of blackjacks with fewer decks. Since players are paid a premium on blackjacks and the house is not, more blackjacks favors players and reduces the house edge.

We can see that by comparing a single-deck game, with 52 cards, to a six-deck game, which uses 312 cards.

In a single-deck game, there are four Aces and 16 10-value cards, with four 10s, four Jacks, four Queens and four Kings. With six decks, multiply everything by six and you can see there are 24 Aces and 96 10 values.

Imagine your first card is an Ace in a single-deck game. There are 51 other cards and 16 of them are 10 values. Your second card will complete a blackjack 31.4% of the time.

In a six-deck game, after you're dealt an Ace there are 311 other cards and 96 are 10 values. That's 30.9%, so you get your blackjack less often with more decks.

The effect is smaller when you start with a 10 because there are fewer Aces, but it points in the same direction. After a 10 in a single-deck game, four of 51 cards, or 7.8%, are Aces. When you start with a 10 with six decks, 24 of 311 cards are Aces, and that's a shade less at 7.7%.

The same kind of effect applies on double-down hands. If you start with 6-5 with one deck, 32%of the remaining cards are 10 values that will give you 21. In a six-deck game, only 31% are 10 values.

Together, the blackjack and double-down percentages make more decks tougher on players if all other rules are equal.

The percentages change as more cards are dealt and, by the way, that's why card counting works. When there's a greater concentration of high cards remaining, there are more blackjacks and counters increase their bets. A greater concentration of low cards signals fewer blackjacks, so counters reduce their bets or leave the table.

1 in 3 vs. 1 in 3.2

A standard bet offered at nearly every blackjack table is insurance. It's a bet the dealer has blackjack.

When the dealer's face up card is an Ace, you may make an insurance bet of half your original blackjack  bet, so if you bet $10 on the hand, your insurance bet would be $5.

If the dealer's face down card is a 10 value to complete a blackjack, you lose your original bet but are paid at 2-1 odds on insurance. You might lose a $10 blackjack bet, but you win $10 on insurance, so you break even on the hand.

But if the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you win $10 on your original bet and lose $5 on insurance, for a $5 net profit.

When you have a blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, you can take insurance by calling "even money." If you bet $10, you're paid $10. You give up the chance at the 3-2 premium payoff in exchange for winning even if the dealer has blackjack,

It's all shorthand, skipping the step of putting an insurance bet on the table. Played out with a $10 main bet and $5 in insurance,  if the dealer has blackjack you push on your main bet and are paid at 2-1 odds for a $10 profit on your insurance. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you win $15 with a 3-2 payoff on your main hand, but lose $5 in insurance, leaving a $10 profit overall.

Either way, your profit is $10, equal to your original bet. So the house just simplifies matters and lets you call "even money."

All that would be a break even deal if the dealer had a 10 value card face down one-third of the time he had an Ace up. But the dealer blackjack chance isn't 1 in 3. It's rounded to 1 in 3.2 – 1 in 3.19 in one-deck games, 1 in 3.24 with six decks.

The discrepancy means the house has an edge on insurance. Smart players skip insurance and just take the wins, losses and pushes as they come. Exception: card counters who know the composition of the remaining deck includes better than 1 in 3 cards are 10 values have an edge on insurance.

Card counters know better than anyone that blackjack is a game of numbers.