The risk of the game compels us, and players keep coming back to test lady luck.
There are lots of casino games in which money must be staked, and the rest relies on fortune.
Then, there are casino games that have an element of personal control.
You have to make decisions that will influence the outcome of each round.
But is it true?
On a mathematical level, definitely.
With an optimal strategy, you will certainly reduce the house edge and enhance your chances of winning.
However, this is no guarantee that you will make any profit on your gaming.
Luck still plays a great part in whether you will make money or not.
It speaks to human nature and desire to influence our environment or solve problems.
We want to be able to use our resources to force a win.
But the games are not designed for talented players to always win.
There are varying degrees to which we have control in these skill based games.
This is more control than what you would have in a game of slots or roulette.
In blackjack, there are mathematically optimized solutions proven to reduce house edge.
They will inform you when to hit, stay,double down, and even split.
Bluffing and anticipating how your opponents use their cards is crucial to making money off them.
This does not apply for poker, as you are playing to win your opponent’s money.
The house will only take its cut throughthe rake, a scaled commission on each pot.
Even skill based games carry house edge, they are designed to ensure the casino a profit.
Even if the most talented player graces one of their tables.
Theblackjack house edgevaries from 2-4%, depending on the variant you choose to play.
When the Blackjack pays out 1:1 the house edge increases by around +2.3% and 6:5 increases 1.4%.
This can further reduce the house edge, and even give you the advantage.
Understanding the Odds and House Edge
House edge is what keeps the casinos in business.
If their games had no edge, they would soon lose all their money and be forced to close.
Therefore, we always have to accept the fact that theodds are not in our favor.
This does not mean the house is targeting you specifically though.
Factoring in the house edge, you better win slightly more times than the odds imply.
The danger of control based games is that we often think that our chances of winning are better.
The Emotional and Social Aspect
Skill based games appear more glamorous in social gambling.
You aren’t just spinning the reels on a slot machine and hoping to strike gold.
Instead, you could be a skilled player who can reduce the house edge by applying advanced game strategies.
They seem to always win, whether through mastering theart of bluffingor genius card counting techniques.
This unlocks all kinds ofgambler’s fallaciesand dangerous ideas regarding gambling.
You have to be prepared for defeat.
Create a bankroll that will sustain you through those losses so you don’t go bust.
Over the course of numerous hands, the results should be closer to what the actual odds imply.
It decreases the influence of any kind of streak (winning or losing).
One skill that seems painfully obvious, is the art ofquitting while you are ahead.
Don’t chase extraordinary wins or assume that you might make your money back through hard work and talent.
Daniel has been writing about casinos and sports betting since 2021.
