🎲 Gambling FAQ – Stats, Odds & Edge

A facts-based overview for new and experienced players. Sourced from trusted industry data and academic studies.

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1. How much can you reduce blackjack’s house edge with basic strategy and favorable rules?

When played using optimal basic strategy under favorable rules (e.g., fewer decks, dealer stands on soft 17, DAS allowed), the house edge can be reduced to ~0.5%.
→ According to Casino.org and rule-specific charts at Wizard of Odds.

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2. What percentage of sports bettors win in the long run?

Only 1–3% of sports bettors are profitable over time.
→ According to ElitePickz and Boyd’s Bets, 97%+ of bettors lose long-term due to vig and poor discipline. Professional bettors often achieve a win rate of only around 53-55% to be profitable after factoring in the vigorish (ElitePickz, Boyd’s Bets)

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3. Why is betting on the banker statistically best in baccarat?

The banker wins 45.8% of hands, with a house edge of 1.06%, even after the 5% commission.
→ Reference: Wizard of Odds’ baccarat analysis.

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4. What’s the difference in odds between European and American roulette?

European roulette: 2.7% house edge.
American roulette (with 00): 5.26% house edge.
→ According to Casino.org.

See our dedicated roulette FAQ: https://www.tiltheads.com/d/22-roulette-faq-rules-odds-and-strategies

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5. How rare is a royal flush in Texas Hold’em?

Odds: 1 in 649,740 hands.
→ According to PokerNews and standard hand probability tables.

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6. Can card counting give you an edge in blackjack, and by how much?

Yes, but only under the right conditions. Skilled counters may gain an edge of 0.5–1.5% depending on rules, penetration, and use of strategy deviations.
→ Reference: Edward Thorp’s Beat the Dealer and MIT Blackjack Team studies.

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7. Which craps bets have the best and worst house edge?

Best: Pass Line (1.41%), Don’t Pass (1.36%), Odds bet (0% edge).
Worst: Any 7 (~16.9%), most one-roll bets.
→ According to Wizard of Odds craps breakdown.

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8. How profitable is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) for regular players?

Roughly 90% of profits go to the top 10% of players, many using optimizers and advanced models.
→ According to data analysis by RotoGrinders.

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9. What does RTP mean in slot machines, and how can it help?

RTP (Return to Player) = long-term expected return.
For example, 96% RTP = avg return of \$96 per \$100 wagered.
→ According to Gambling Commission UK and licensed slot audits.

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10. What are the odds of winning a major lottery jackpot?

Powerball: 1 in 292,201,338
EuroMillions: 1 in 139,838,160
→ According to official lottery sources: Powerball.com, EuroMillions.com.

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11. Do progressive jackpots ever improve your expected value?

Yes — but only when jackpots get large enough. Some “must-hit” progressives can exceed 100% EV, though the odds to hit remain 1 in 10–50 million+.
→ Reference: Wizard of Odds, Easy.Vegas jackpot charts.

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12. Is poker a game of skill or luck?

Short-term: luck dominates.
Long-term: skill prevails.
→ According to MIT and Harvard studies, winning consistently over time requires skill, discipline, and bankroll management.

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13. Exactly how much do casinos make per visitor in Las Vegas?

Average revenue per visitor (gaming only): \$155–\$200.
→ According to Statista and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

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14. How bad are side bets in blackjack and baccarat?

Blackjack Insurance: ~7% house edge.
Baccarat Tie: ~14.36% house edge.
→ Reference: Wizard of Odds side bet data.

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15. Do betting systems like Martingale work?

No. Systems like Martingale eventually fail due to table limits and variance.
→ According to UNLV research and Leighton Vaughan Williams’ gambling probability studies.

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16. Do lower house edge slots make players play longer?

No clear evidence. UNLV research found no significant difference in session length when house edge was halved.
→ According to UNLV Gaming Research Journal, 2021 (Lucas & Singh).

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17. Can players detect which slot machines have better payouts?

No. UNLV studies show players cannot reliably tell the difference between a 7% or 12% house edge.
→ According to field studies by Anthony Lucas and Katherine Spilde (UNLV).

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18. How high can the house edge get in games like keno?

Keno house edge can reach 25–35%, making it one of the worst value games in the casino.
→ According to UNLV Gaming Law Journal and Wizard of Odds.