Do most people lose all their money plying Blackjack at the Casino

[twinkboylover28]

I mean all the money that they brought to gamble with?

 

For example, I started with $100 and won $400.

 

I left and made the mistake of coming back a couple days later to gamble with my "winnings".

 

I made another $100 in the first ten minutes, then quickly preceeded to lose $600 the rest o the night..while my neighbors were winning the "perfect pairs" which paid 25-to-1.

 

So they left with about $2000, while i lost my $500 winnings, plus my original investment of $100.

 

$600 is a boat-load of money to lose in a few hours of gambling!!!

 

Then I realized, if the Casino was a place to make money, all the locals who live near the casino would be inside the casino instead of going to their jobs!!

 

True or False, in the long run everyone loses more than they make at blackjack?

 

 

 

And the dealers were telling me never to double-down, because thats how the casino makes theitr money. If doubling-down was good, the casino wouldnt let you do it. The dealer said the best way to make your money is to increase your bet, and dont do anything else.

[wayout]

Variations in house rules will change liklihood of outcome but across the board the house will always have an advantage. The house edge, per a web site I found, is between .2% and .6% depending on the number of decks used to play Blackjack (the greater the number of decks, the greater the house edge). This is based on doing all the right "plays". So you play long enough you will eventually lose overall. It is interesting to note that Blackjack does have the lowest house edge compared to other games of chance so the good news is that you probably could play longer before you lose what you started out with compared to other games.

 

I look at it that you didn't lose $600 in a few hours but rather you paid $100 for a few hours of entertainment (assuming you enjoy playing Blackjack).

[Boomer]

They don't build all of those "glamourous" casinos and offer cheap buffets because they're losing.

[josephga]

Ive never gambled but most I know who do normally lose the winnings plus what they started out with. I had this friend that managed this place once that had poker machines. Some of those people blew every penny they worked for each week, sure they won big sometimes but ended up blowing it all the following week. I use to pop by this local store every morning normally for a soda over ice and id see the same people in there every morning buying up those lotto tickets

[+ deej]

The house always wins, eventually.

 

When I go to Vegas, I stay away from the tables. I figure it would be more productive and less infuriating to just up-end my wallet and walk away.

 

I do play video poker, but you can't play that like a poker game. Those machines are run by software, and I've spent my career diagnosing software behavior. I always lose the first $20 or so picking up the pattern and then make it back and cash out.

 

Of course, the drinks are free while you're playing the game so if I play long enough to break even I'm actually up a sixpack.

[+ purplekow]

It is gambling and the house definitely has an edge. The more you gamble the more you will eventually lose, but doubling down is a good bet under the right circumstances. If you don't know which circumstances those are, you should not be playing. The less you know, the more you will lose if you play long enough.

As a gambler who usually goes home a winner, when I am winning, as soon as I start to lose, I stop. By start to lose i mean, 1/3 of what I have won. So if I have won 300 once i have lost 100 back i stop. Sometimes I am enjoying myself and choose to stay, that is when I go home a loser.

[Guest ryan2552]

The odds are about 6% in favor of the house. Also, whenever you play at a table with others and more than one deck you can actually give the house a few more points because your odds are now affected by the other players.

 

I also totally disagree with the poster who said you did not lose $500. you lost your original $100. That is the kind of thinking the casinos want you to use. That $500. was yours to do what you want with it. What they want you to do is sit there because the longer you sit there the better the odds are for the house. That $500. was your to spend or save however you wanted.

 

The only game of chance where there is no house advantage of poker. The house takes a set amount of each pot and your odds are based on the cards and the size of each pot.

 

@ deej interesting fact about video poker, in Nevada, it's the only machine game that is not programmed to pay out a certain percentage. Its against the state gaming law to do so. So your odds are better playing video poker than say any slot machine. Also you are 100% correct it does not play as normal poker would play. It has its own unique patterns.

[Steven_Draker]

Some time ago I had a very interesting conversation with someone who is in the casino business. I've learned a few things and the most capital one I remember is: gambling is highly addictive, especially if you have an addictive personality. He's often "invited" to gamble, but he never does.

[josephga]

Iv known people addicted to playing the lotto. being someone that never gambles Id being guessing lotto tickets would have the worst odds of any gambling?

[+ deej]

Lotto is often referred to as the "poor tax".

 

When the super lotto goes over 50 mil, folks at the office start a collection. Everyone puts in $2.

 

I always put in my $2, but not because I think we'll win. I put in because if they DO win I don't want to be the only person in the office the next day!

[OneFinger]

A lot depends on the house rules. For example, my closest casinos ONLY have single deck tables. I've found on those tables I make more money when I double down on 11 or less when the dealer is showing a 6 or below. I do NOT double when the dealer is show 7 or above.

 

Many casinos use at least a 2-deck shoe and most are 4 deck. I rarely double down on those tables and use your method of just increasing my bet with each winning hand.

 

Another variable is how often the decks are shuffled. In Detroit, for example, one casino uses a 4-deck continuous shuffle machine. That is where the machine only deals out enough cards for the immediate table while continuously shuffling the rest of the unused cards. Needless to say, I will NEVER play that casino again.

 

The only way I've won major money at blackjack is playing the tournaments. In fact, I've paid for my last 3 cruises with money won at the casinos.

 

I also set a limit on the tables. For example, I'll only lose half my initial $100 buy-in before leaving a table. Likewise, I'll walk away from any table when my $100 investment turns into $500. That $500 gets stuff in my wallet and is NEVER used again at another table. I refuse to re-bet my winnings.

 

I'll also leave a table after 3-hours or when a bonehead shows up and starts playing stupid. I also will not sit anywhere other than 3rd base. I've seen too many people on 3rd base ruin the table when they don't "play by the book". (I.e., always hit a 16 and below when the dealer is showing 7 or above, don't hit 12-16 when the dealer is showing 2-6, etc.)

[instudiocity]

Yes

 

Blackjack has the best odds in the casino at 17% probability of winning.

 

That's an 83% chance of losing your ass! About the same % of getting laid by someone positively reviewed here in Daddysreviews.com.

[NYTomcat]

actually.... other than a properly played game of craps. blackjack.... if you know how to play... even without card counting. has the best odds in Vegas. Ive spent many a night at the blackjack table. sometimes I lose but just as often I win. In either event I never sit down with more than im willing to lose and I often enjoy a long long night of free drinks and great conversation

 

As to doubling down... the dealers were lying to you. Doubling down and splitting on the right cards and facing the right dealer hand is the best way to multiply your own chances of winning. you just need to know when.

 

On my most recent trip to the casino... i was already lucky having a gorgeous guy with me at the time who didn't have any idea how to play... what fun getting to teach him a thing or two... usually its the other way around... anyway I digress. We were able to play for three hours and we walked away a few free drinks later and after flirting with a few other very cute players and we left with about 10% more than we started.

 

OK ill admit it. I doubled my money... he lost a bit... but we balanced it out in the end. I promise blackjack is the most fun you will have at a table once you know how to play... of course its also about who is at the table with you. but thats most of life isnt it

[+ sniper]

You can win at blackjack if you count cards and increase your bets if/when the count is favorable to you.

 

The dealers who told you not to double down were full of shit, unless they were telling you not to double down against an ace or ten. If you have ten and the dealer is showing anything other than Ace or ten, you should double down. If you have 11 and the dealer is showing anything other than an ace, you should double down.

 

They sell a basic strategy card at the gift shop in most casinos, and you are allowed to hold it at the table for reference. Using that and not counting, the house's edge is fairly slight. If you count correctly, in the LONG run, you should have an edge. That said, it is still a game of chance and you can do everything right and still lose because of the order the cards come out in.

 

The house edge against a player playing correctly is only a couple of percent, assuming dealer hits soft seventeen, surrender is available, and they don't do something cheesy like have blackjack pay only 6 to 5 or 7 to 6 instead of the standard 3 to 2. In practice it's much more than that because so many players do stupid plays because they "feel lucky" and deviate from strategy.

 

If you're not going to count cards, just know this general guideline - if a ton of small cards (3, 4, 5, 6) come out early, after they're used, the odds are much more in your favor and increase your bets. Likewise, if all the 10 J Q K come out early, the odds in the remainder of the shoe are agains you and you should bet the table minimum(or just walk away.)

[KMEM]

Ryan-

 

I agree with you that if you win $400 (betting from $100 stash) it is yours. But, on the other hand, the house only wins $100 if you give the $500 all back. Just a matter of relevance.

 

I have a friend who says your odds of winning at Lotto are the same if you buy a ticket or if you don't.

 

Some time ago, I had a friend who had a relative who was president of a Las Vegas complex. When we went out there, we were invited to visit with the relatives. They were glad to "go to town" and see a show because they basically were suburban husband and wife who lived ordinary suburban lives. In other words, even though the show we went to upgraded us to the best seats in the house when the exec. showed up, it was a rare experience for them (and us).

 

In addition to knowing and playing the "rules" of BJ, I employ a cash control system which does not guarantee a win but minimizes the losses and maximizes the winnings. I most often choose first base because it limits the effect of "poor" players in other positions, even though they do affect the outcome by playing poorly. I have decided that I can do nothing about their play but I can choose first base and limit their effect or so I think. A good table is one where every player is in sync and plays by the "best" rules, but, unless bringing those folks with you, it largely is out of your control. I often prefer a table with no one there for the above reasons. Also, I never drink when I gamble, even though I love to drink.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[NYTomcat]

Ryan-

 

I agree with you that if you win $400 (betting from $100 stash) it is yours. But, on the other hand, the house only wins $100 if you give the $500 all back. Just a matter of relevance.

 

I have a friend who says your odds of winning at Lotto are the same if you buy a ticket or if you don't.

 

Some time ago, I had a friend who had a relative who was president of a Las Vegas complex. When we went out there, we were invited to visit with the relatives. They were glad to "go to town" and see a show because they basically were suburban husband and wife who lived ordinary suburban lives. In other words, even though the show we went to upgraded us to the best seats in the house when the exec. showed up, it was a rare experience for them (and us).

 

In addition to knowing and playing the "rules" of BJ, I employ a cash control system which does not guarantee a win but minimizes the losses and maximizes the winnings. I most often choose first base because it limits the effect of "poor" players in other positions, even though they do affect the outcome by playing poorly. I have decided that I can do nothing about their play but I can choose first base and limit their effect or so I think. A good table is one where every player is in sync and plays by the "best" rules, but, unless bringing those folks with you, it largely is out of your control. I often prefer a table with no one there for the above reasons. Also, I never drink when I gamble, even though I love to drink.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

Now you see you and I would Never work at a table together I play for the social atmosphere and drinks. Winning is just to keep the fun going

[KMEM]

NP. So long as I knew you were there I would just limit my gambling to "fun".

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ sniper]

Ryan-

 

I agree with you that if you win $400 (betting from $100 stash) it is yours. But, on the other hand, the house only wins $100 if you give the $500 all back. Just a matter of relevance.

 

I have a friend who says your odds of winning at Lotto are the same if you buy a ticket or if you don't.

 

Some time ago, I had a friend who had a relative who was president of a Las Vegas complex. When we went out there, we were invited to visit with the relatives. They were glad to "go to town" and see a show because they basically were suburban husband and wife who lived ordinary suburban lives. In other words, even though the show we went to upgraded us to the best seats in the house when the exec. showed up, it was a rare experience for them (and us).

 

In addition to knowing and playing the "rules" of BJ, I employ a cash control system which does not guarantee a win but minimizes the losses and maximizes the winnings. I most often choose first base because it limits the effect of "poor" players in other positions, even though they do affect the outcome by playing poorly. I have decided that I can do nothing about their play but I can choose first base and limit their effect or so I think. A good table is one where every player is in sync and plays by the "best" rules, but, unless bringing those folks with you, it largely is out of your control. I often prefer a table with no one there for the above reasons. Also, I never drink when I gamble, even though I love to drink.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

FYI - the cards don't know what's happening. Bad play by other players, in the long run, has no impact on your chances assuming you are playing correctly. It's just a trick of your memory that the times that you lost instead of won "because" they played incorrectly stands out. It's still irritating to watch these jackasses split tens, but really, statistically what they do doesn't matter.

[KMEM]

sniper-

 

I don't disagree with what you write but by playing first base, it does give me the opportunity to largely ignore what all the other players do. A one player table does away with any distrances such as these.

 

Best regards,

 

KMEM

[orbital sander]

actually.... other than a properly played game of craps. blackjack.... if you know how to play... even without card counting. has the best odds in Vegas. Ive spent many a night at the blackjack table. sometimes I lose but just as often I win. In either event I never sit down with more than im willing to lose and I often enjoy a long long night of free drinks and great conversation

 

As to doubling down... the dealers were lying to you. Doubling down and splitting on the right cards and facing the right dealer hand is the best way to multiply your own chances of winning. you just need to know when.

 

On my most recent trip to the casino... i was already lucky having a gorgeous guy with me at the time who didn't have any idea how to play... what fun getting to teach him a thing or two... usually its the other way around... anyway I digress. We were able to play for three hours and we walked away a few free drinks later and after flirting with a few other very cute players and we left with about 10% more than we started.

 

OK ill admit it. I doubled my money... he lost a bit... but we balanced it out in the end. I promise blackjack is the most fun you will have at a table once you know how to play... of course its also about who is at the table with you. but thats most of life isnt it

 

As many have pointed out, Black Jack has the best odds in gambling. It can be very fun as Tomcat has pointed out. If you want to win more consistently I recommend the following:

 

Study...there are some great books out there

 

Be Disciplined...heed the advice of the books

 

Manage your cash...

 

Do not drink and gamble...unless you do not care if you loose

 

Understand that the actions of others at a table does impact you...

 

Pay as much attention to the dealer's hand as yours..

 

Know when to quit...

[KMEM]

Actually the dealer's hand is far more important than yours. I will take a pair of 6's 10 times in a row if the dealer will show a 6 and bust 10 times in a row.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[orbital sander]

Actually the dealer's hand is far more important than yours. I will take a pair of 6's 10 times in a row if the dealer will show a 6 and bust 10 times in a row.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

Yep, me too. Play the Dealer to bust whenever you can

[Guest verymarried]

Cute dealers

 

I lived in Vegas over 20 years ago and occasionally played the tables. I would always play at the sleazier casinos downtown which had the best rules and played the fewest decks. "Surrender" was one of my favorites as it gives you a tiny marginal edge if done right. I played totally by the book and played basically break even untill I was able to learn to count and then I did a little better. My other rule was to pick the cutest dealer. That was the payoff. I was a pretty decent lkng kid and I had both men and women dealers inviting me for drinks on their breaks. One cute gay dealer told me to take a hit when he pointed his finger and I thereafter was a winner at his table. He was cautious, my bets were light and there were no banks broken but I got a few steak dinners out of the deal as well as the dealer a couple times.

[+ sniper]

 

Understand that the actions of others at a table does impact you...

 

I think you're missing a "not" there.

[SoCal]

I think you're missing a "not" there.

 

Actually I think Orbital Sander had it right - the actions of others at the table absolutely impacts blackjack play.