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Gaming Guru
Bad checks, loaded dice and coin flips24 December 1999
Dear Mark, A coin itself is not a gambling device per se because it was created and designed for a specific purpose. However, the coin becomes an illegal apparatus, subject to forfeiture by the state, when it is flipped in the air and wagers are made on its eventual outcome.
Dear Mark, Called the "Spin" or "Pivot" test, a boxman on a crap game will hold the dice loosely between his thumb and forefinger at diagonally opposite corners and gently spin the dice. A fair cube will spin smoothly and its revolution will stop in a natural way. A loaded die, because of the extra weight, will pivot back in a distinguished manner at the end of its rotation. At home, you can test for loaded dice by filling a tall glass with water and dropping the cubes in gently. Repeat this action several times with a different number on top. If the same number appears repeatedly, they're loaded. Why? Because the weighted dice will turn toward the bottom as they fall each time.
Dear Mark, Sorry, Billy. Unless you own a casino, accepting a check to cover a gambling debt is not collectable in a court of law, even if you made the bet in Nevada where sports betting is legal.
Dear Mark, This past week I noticed yet another new game, 21 Stud, that offers a bonus jackpot for a naturally dealt, no draw royal flush. Casinos get goo-goo-ga-ga about introducing any game that will induce additional play. Their marketing department goes head over heels highlighting the fact that if you get a natural royal flush, you will be paid 1,000 to one. What they forget to tell you, this column continually will. The chances of getting a naturally dealt, no draw royal flush are 659,740 to one. For a new game to survive in today's tough gaming market, table games must have some sort of progressive or jackpot to generate play. Unfortunately, the odds are usually long and tall against the customer. Be an educated player, Lyle. On all these new games and side bonus bets, you might as well pass.
Dear Mark, Pearl, the answer, in one word, is what makes every casino owner's pockets bulge with your cash-CHURN. That higher payout rate only applies if you don't continue to bet your winning credits. Unfortunately, that's not the way most people play. They recycle (churn) their money back through the cybernetic one-armed bandit. Casino operators have long realized the advantage they have between an advertised payout and the coinage they eventually reap. How so you ask? By comparing credits won versus credits paid out. Player behavior is such that credits won are generally replayed, and replayed and replayed again, resulting mathematically in a much greater chance of eventually tapping out. They may advertise a 95 percent return, but after the churn takes place, you'll generally go home lighter in the wallet. Recent Articles
Mark Pilarski |
Mark Pilarski |