A Realistic Look at Gambling for the Average Gambler
People tend to take extreme views on gambling. For many it is a deplorable vice that can ruin lives. But for others it is a potential gold mine, a place where everybody's "rags to riches" dream can come true with just a spin of the slot reels. This article presents a realistic view of gambling that falls in the middle of these two extremes.
Gambling in itself is not the evil thing that moralists make it out to be. Casino gambling is just a hobby or source of entertainment. It may be expensive, but there are many socially and morally acceptable hobbies and recreational activities that are also expensive, such as shopping and playing golf. If anything, gambling can turn out to be a better deal than the others for two reasons: 1) in gambling you have a chance to win back some of the money you spent, and perhaps more than that; 2) casinos give you free goodies such as drinks and sandwiches in return for patronage. Most hobbies like golf, mountain-climbing and watching movies don't give you this option. You spend your money and it's gone.
On the other side of the coin, gambling is not the easy road to riches either. Sure, we always hear of the lucky old lady who hit the progressive slot jackpot on her first spin. Or the infamous blackjack card counters who raked in millions from dozens of casinos (before they got busted and lost it all again). But the reality is, most of us will never be that good in gambling.
So where do average gamblers stand and what can they gain?
Realistically, the average gambler can expect modest profits in the casino - but only if he or she knows how to play intelligently. That is already a good thing because most gamblers never win anything at all, or if they do they are too greedy and gamble it all over again.
The games offered in casinos all favor the casinos. If you just play those games, you will lose in the end. However some games have better odds for the gambler than others. With some basic strategy, a sufficient bankroll, money management and luck, you can change the odds of these games so that they favor you, not the casino. It may take many nights in the house, and you won't win every time. But eventually the money will come. Such is not possible with games that have poor odds.
The key is to know what the good games are, playing them well and avoiding the bad games. Good games are blackjack and a few variants of video poker. Slots, roulette and keno should be played only if you assume you won't get your money back. Pick the game you like, say blackjack, and learn how it works inside and out. There are many books there on professional blackjack you can learn from.
Even when you are learning how to get the edge over the house, be realistic. You won't get rich overnight. Expect modest profits, and expect to lose. Do not let the casino know what you are up to; they won't like it. Above all, enjoy yourself. Not all of us can be a Stanford Wong or a Bob Dancer, but we can all enjoy our gambling.
