E-46: Casino Misconceptions

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The following, are commonly held beliefs by even the most seasoned gambler. They are not myths as such, but common misconceptions that most people seem to believe as it certainly seems feasible when you look at gambling from the players perspective.

1: In blackjack, the last players actions affects whether you win or lose.

This has to be the most misunderstood components of blackjack.
You need to look at this from a purely mathematical stand point, which is hard to do when money is involved.
Blackjack is played 1 on 1; its you versus the dealer. The key is to play your hand in accordance with the best possible strategy. What the last player does makes no difference to your hand. Blackjack is generally played nowadays from a 4 deck shoe, so it is a mood point to say a players actions affected the card that is being dealt. Any 1 of 208 cards could come out of the shoe.

What players also fail to notice in this example is all the mistakes that someone does that actually improve your hand. For example, maybe if he hadn't pulled an extra card on that last hand, then your first card on the next deal wouldn't have been an ace.

2: Roulette wheels are setup to favour the house

No casino owner in their right mind would dare cheat their players these days. Wheels are regularly inspecting by the Nevada Gaming Commission and casinos don't gain anything if they are caught. They would lose all their patrons in a heartbeat if they were thought to be cheating.
On top of this, they already have an unbeatable edge on all game, cheating is just not needed.

3: Hot and cold dealers and dice throwers.

There is no such thing as good or bad luck. Its another case of player perception, where you only remember the streaks someone has and fail to notice all the hands or rolls that had a normal outcome.

4: Opening and closing squares in blackjack affects your outcome.

Again this is the same as the last players actions that affects the dealers hand. It doesn't matter how many squares are being played or even if you open or close them. There is no such thing as the flow of the cards. It is a purely random occurrence that will not change by how many cards are pulled.

E-45: Poker Hand Nicknames

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This information can be helpful if you are watching it on TV or even if playing in your casino or home game. Learning the slang you hear in a casino will make you seem less of a novice when approaching a new game.

You would be surprised how much basic information you can pick up off a weak player just by knowing some of the more common nicknames. Even if this knowledge doesn't help you get a read on another player, it should at least boost your confidence at thee tables when you know the lingo.



Some of the common names are:
A-A American Airlines, Pocket Rockets, Bullets
K-K Cowboys
Q-Q Ladies, Dames, The Hilton Sisters
J-J Jokers, Hooks
8-8 Snowmen, Octopuses
7-7 Walking sticks
4-4 Sailboats
2-2 Ducks
A-K Anna Kournikkova, Big Slick
A-J Ajax
K-Q Marriage
K-J Kojak
K-9 Canine
Q-7 Computer Hand
Q-3 San Fran Bus Boy
J-9 TJ Cloutier
J-5 Jackson Five
10-5 Five and Dime
10-2 Doyle Brunson
5-5 Speed Limit
5-4 Jesse James

These all may be nicknames of hands, but very few are actually used regularly. To be honest you would seem like a huge fish if you started spouting these out after every hand. Never over do your your usage of these and if you spot someone using them, that's who you should target with your play.

E-44: Finding A Casino For Your Skill & Bankroll

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If you are new to casino gambling, or even just want to try out a new table game, it is imperative that you find the right casino to try it at.

Although the allure of a big name casino might be tempting, it really may not suit your skill level. Casinos like Caesars Palace, Aria and Wynn are all aimed at the most experienced player, or at least a player with a higher bankroll. Most of their table games will be at least a $15 minimum or higher and if you wanted to try your luck at a new table game it really wouldn't be a smart idea.

Not only are the minimums higher, but the dealers are less likely to help you with any teething problems you may have. At the higher end properties, the dealers are encouraged to cater to the bigger gambler and will not have time to step you through your bets.



The slots and video poker will also be a higher denomination. The difference from a penny slot to a quarter is substantial and can put some serious pressure on your new bankroll. Be sure to play within your means, especially when you are still learning.

Some great options for a quality experience on the strip without breaking the bank are the lower tier Caesars properties, such as Paris, Planet Hollywood, Ballys and Flamingo. These hotels offer good service, with friendly dealers who generally have the time to help you if you are new to a game.

Some casinos even offer free training on games like, poker, blackjack and craps. Table games can be daunting and a one on one training session can really help you learn thee basics in an actual casino environment.

Another great option is the Las Vegas local casinos. These always have smaller table limits and the dealers are used to chatting with players and are more likely to help you out.

E-43: Finding Loose Slots

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When playing slot machines everyone wants to find the loosest machine. By dispelling some common myths and by following some of these tips, we hope to help you get the most from your gambling dollar.

Myth 1: Loose machines are surrounded by tight machines.
This is a common myth and comes from the fact that many slot players like to play more than 1 machine at a time. The thinking is that the slot manager will surround the loose machines with tight ones in order to lull players into playing them.

Myth 2: Loose machines are placed near the casino entrance.
This is an obvious myth and forms from the idea that players walking passed will see people winning and that will entice them in. This myth doesn't really have much validity as there are usually multiple entrances and they cant really be seen from the street.

Myth 3: Machines near the end of the slot banks are loose.
This comes from the idea that people seeing players winning will be more likely to go down the row and play a machine.

Myth 4: Machines near the table games are tight.
There are 2 reasons for the myth, firstly, the noise and activity will distract the table game players who are generally placing larger bets. An d secondly, the table game players will dump their remaining coins in the machine when they get up and head to the cage.

Myth 5: Slot machines near thee showroom and buffet lines are tight.
This is due to the fact that the people in those lines are stuck and are forced to watch the slot players. They will hopefully be tempted to play and by keeping the machines tight they are forced to play them because they can't stray too far from the queue.

Myth 6: Slots near the casino cage are loose.
The reasoning behind this is that the casino wants to see players winning while you are waiting in line. It creates more of a buzz and you may leave the line to try your luck.

Myth 7: Round carousels are looser than the rows.



This has formed because the carousels are visible from many more angles than the rows and again, the more visible a machine the more it should pay out.

Most of these myths you have probably heard and if you think a step further, so have the slot managers. If they know all these myths too, they are likely to switch them all on their head to increase profits.

That being said, most casino managers simply don't have the time and ability to move machines around regularly. The majority of machines are set at a payback of between 80%-95%





E-42: Bad Slot Characters

Slot machine etiquette is a very important factor to consider to ensure you and other players have a pleasant experience. Below is a list and brief description of the different slot characters you may come across.

There are quite a few bad habits that people seem to develop. These have formed because of superstition or a need to control the outcome of a slot machine. Some slot players seem to be oblivious to the people around them and will do just about anything, if they think it helps them hit that big pay out.



Button Slappers: This is the players that smashes the spin button with so much force that it vibrates the machine and the sound can be heard rows away.
These people are extremely annoying to sit next to and you should avoid becoming one off these players.

Machine Basher: These people hit the machine with a clenched fist and if a spin doesn't go their way they may give the machine a boot.
Casinos may have a lot of money, but this could be better spent on new additions as opposed to repairing damaged machines.

The Lounger: This is the player who can be found with his legs propped up on the slot bank or better still his legs on an adjacent chair.
This is not your living room, so have some respect for the fact that other players may want to sit down.

The Talker: This can be the most annoying player that you encounter. This person doesn't mean to frustrate you but they will often bore you with their losing stories.
Try to be polite with this character as they mean you no harm and are simply trying to be friendly.

The Newbie: This player will sit down right next to you, even though there are many seats available. These players are more common around video poker machines.
The best way to get rid of these people is to tell them to throw away that pair of queens and chase the flush.



Group Players: These are usually young guys or girls on a "Bucks Stew" who cheer on the player after every hand. They will frequently bump your chair and scream as the player hits 2 pair.
The best tactic here is to simply cash out and move to a quieter part of the casino.

The key with all these people is to remain polite and find a quieter machine if it really bothers you. Remember that everyone is trying to have a good time and these people aren't usually trying to annoy you deliberately.

E-41: Casino Design Myths & Truths

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There are many interesting and often unfounded casino design myths spouted by players, here we discuss some of the main ones:

Lack of Clocks & Natural Light: This is obviously so people lose track of time and keep playing. 
This may have once been a small reason for this design, but nowadays it isn't fooling anyone. Most people have either a watch or cellular phone.

Oxygenated Air Supply: The idea being that oxygen will keep players awake and they therefore will keep playing.
This is not true. It is against the law to tamper with the air supply, however properties do sometimes scent the air.

Maze Like Design: Casinos are deliberately built to be confusing, so that players are more likely to keep playing.
Often the cages and bathrooms are on the opposite end from the exits

Curvature of Pathways: Many of the walkways are positioned on a gentle arc, this way when a player enters thee floor they are unable to see the entire floor, so you are therefore encouraged to explore.

Slot Banks: Slot machines are generally clumped closely together. This is twofold; to ensure maximum number of machines are used per square foot and studies have shown that players prefer intimate spaces to play in.

Lighting: Is set at a level where it is not too bright and thus would create a stark environment. Yellow bulbs are generally used to give a soft, even warm light. Many casinos utilise a moth lighting design, whereby the lighting is brighter towards the middle of the gaming floor. Here the principle is that people will more toward the light.

Sound: Slot machine bells and music are generally tuned to a certain key and rhythm, so that it isn't just a mass of noise but all plays together creating a unified sound that is pleasing to listen to.

If you wish to learn more elements of casino design, check out the book
"Designing Casinos to Dominate the Competition."



E-40: Table Game Myths Part 2

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To follow on from the last blog post. You should never listen to casino myths and base your decisions solely on basic math. Most games can be quickly deciphered with some logical thinking.

Myth 6: Counting cards and dice control are illegal.

This is not true. If this was the case, a player would not be given the dice to throw and all blackjack games would be dealt from a shuffle machine. No player is expected that they purposely try and lose. If they believe they can control the outcome of the dice, they should be allowed to do so.
Casinos fall under an out dated law called "The Inn Keeper Law" This states that a man's inn/casino is his domain and he can serve or not serve whoever he pleases.
It is not illegal, it is just discouraged by casinos.

Myth 7: The pit boss always ignores me

This is usually not the case. A bit boss has a lot to do,watching the dealers. checking comp ratings and watching all the players in their pit. If you really are being ignored, it is likely you are drunk and being obnoxious. The best way to get a pit boss's attention is to ask your dealer.

Myth 8: Dealers make a high wage

This is dependant on what casino they work for and the tip sharing policy the casino adopts. Most dealers are only on minimal wage and rely on their tips to boost their pay. The majority of casinos require that all tips be shared.



Myth 9: If a craps table is running hot, get in on the action.

This is ridiculous. Past events do not affect the future. Someone who has rolled well is just having a streak of lung and has no guarantee of continuing.

Myth 10: Professional blackjack dealers make millions of dollars.

This is only possible if you start with millions of dollars to bankroll it. To make a normal living, most professionals work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and still only grind out a small profit.