Whether you win or lose, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a night out at a casino. However, it’s essential to understand exactly what you’re getting into before your first spin of the roulette. When it comes to spending your money at a casino, it always pays to remember the golden rule: the house always wins.
Understanding the House Edge
Of course, it’s not unheard of for people to walk out of casinos having doubled or even tripled their money. The phrase ‘the house always wins’ refers to the house edge. Simply put, the house edge means that every bet you make, whether it’s a hand of blackjack or a pull on a slot machine, always has odds that favor the establishment. For example, the house edge for blackjack (with a skilled player) is .75%, meaning for every $100 bet at the blackjack table, the casino can expect to earn (and you can expect to lose) an average of 75 cents. Other games like roulette have a house edge closer to 5.25%.
Designed to Keep You Playing
The house edge may not make much of an impact on your wallet if you’re only gambling for half an hour. This is why the designs of casinos are constantly evolving to keep you focused on the game for as long as possible. A lack of windows, bright lights, and closed-in spaces encourage gamblers to stay and spend their money.
The Psychology of Gambling
The third contributing factor to casinos’ advantage is our own belief that another win is right around the corner. Statistically, the best time for a gambler to pack up their winnings and head home is right after a win. Unfortunately, this is also the time when they are least likely to do so. Our brains are hardwired to believe that another will follow one win, and even when a string of losses begins to prove otherwise, we often find it hard to stop.
If you want to learn more about the secrets behind gambling, and how to manage problematic gambling urges, get in touch with 800-GAMBLER for help.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20120816-travelwise-casino-design-and-why-the-house-always-wins