Raymond Genovese
- Joined Mar 5, 2016
- 1,653
I just want my money back from last time. I'm heading to Vegas on April fools day on a comped trip. "I Should Be So Lucky", right?
I don't know how you guys can go to casinos. Been to Vegas exactly twice, both many years ago and both times related to work. One night, for lack of anything to do, I played nickel slots (with actual nickels). I did this knowing full well that the likelihood of winning was against me but I was bored to tears. I'm not sure I even understood what went on in the machine - it was based on an Addams Family theme and there were many ways to play which all amount to put your money in and press a button. I got 7 Uncle Festers or some such thing and won about $20.
But seriously, how can one play a game that you know that probability is against you? In horse race handicapping you can claim that you are better at estimating the probabilities than the public (to an extent that also accounts for take out). Similar situation in sports betting - believing you are better than the odds makers. Something like that can go on in Poker too.
But those casino games, slots, video poker, craps all that - knowing what you know, how can you do it?
I long time ago, I had a heated argument with a colleague who was preaching about how the State should never have a lottery because they are arranged against the public (usually lotteries return about 50%, making them about the worst gamble of all). I argued, mostly because I didn't like the guy, that he was unable to see the value of hope!
Who knows, maybe I was right.