The Oracle at Odds - Part 6

This is the age of lists -- the top 100 movies of all time, the top 100 books of the 20th Century, the top 100 colleges for academic excellence or bargains or partying, and the top 100 women former President Bill Clinton scored with; plus all those weekly top 10 this list, and top 10 that list and top 10 those other things list. In the interests of keeping up with the list makers as well as the (Dow) Joneses, I decided to list the top 60 questions I am asked whenever I give talks about casino gambling. My list is in no particular order of importance, but these are the most-asked questions of yours truly and the answers that I give when I'm asked them. All value judgments are mine. So if I say this is the best thing, that is just my not-so-humble opinion. Of course, in my opinion my opinion is the correct opinion as today I assume my new identity as The Oracle at Odds -- Nostragamus! Ask and it shall be answered!

26. Can roulette be beaten?

Yes, if you can find a wheel that is biased or a dealer that can hit your numbers on purpose (if such a thing exists) or if you can figure out a dealer's signature (if such a thing exists) or if you can predict where the ball will fall either because you are psychic (if such a thing exists) or because you can follow the ball with your eyes without your head spinning and your stomach churning. Otherwise, bet the lowest amount that still gives you the thrill you're looking for but do not bet a penny more.

27. What are your favorite restaurants in Las Vegas and Atlantic City?

In Vegas, it's Al Dente at Bally's; Antonio's at Rio, and The Garden of the Dragon at the Hilton. When writers discuss Chinese food in Vegas, The Garden of the Dragon is always overlooked. It is a terrific place. In Atlantic City, it's Peregrines at Hilton, Casa di Napoli at Showboat, and Regent Court at Tropicana. In either city, just about every casino gourmet room is great, so all the gourmet rooms I didn't mention are worthy of consideration.

28. What is the longest dice roll in history?

No one has an official record book but several stories have circulated about an Hawaiian who had a three-and-one-half hour roll at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

29. What is the longest roll you ever witnessed personally?

I saw the "Arm" in Atlantic City roll for about an hour. I've been in on my share of 30 to 45 minute rolls as well, one as recently as the summer of 1998 that I wrote about in my magazine The New Chance and Circumstance. Of course, it is not always the duration of the roll but the quality of the roll that dictates whether it is good for you. If the shooter is hitting your numbers, you will make money; if he isn't, it's as if the roll never happened.

30. Who is the biggest gambler in the world?

The mantle of the biggest whale ("whale" is casinoese for mucho high roller) must belong to Australian billionaire Kerry Packer who has been known to bet a quarter of a million dollars on one round of blackjack or baccarat. Rumor has it that he has won and lost upwards of 20 to 40 million dollars in a single casino stay. He is also rumored to be a generous tipper and the best rumor of all is that he once gave a dealer he liked a house for a tip! These are the types of gaming rumors even I enjoy spreading.