Is casino gambling a science? A look at data-driven strategies

When talking about casino games, it is often thought that chance is the only thing that intervenes in these games to win or get the best prizes. However, there is much more to players than just luck.

Casino games are popular both for their fun and excitement and for how interesting they are for players. Casinos offer promotions like 50 FSwelcome bonuses or deposits that make them more attractive to users. However, none of this changes the fact that games of “chance” are not so much of a game.

The science of casino games

Behind each of the casino games that we can see both in physical casinos and on sites on-line There is quite a bit of “science”.

All these types of games are based on probabilities. From card games (poker, blackjack, baccarat…) to the popular slot machines, which many seem to be decided solely by chance.

There are three fundamental aspects that can represent an important change in the results of these games, and that are based on science.

• Odds: It is the crucial factor in any of the games found in casinos. Being able to understand the probability of each of the possible outcomes allows you to calculate the wins and losses in a game, both for the player and the casino. In general, casinos show these (general) probabilities to players in each game, this is what is known as RTP.
• Psychology: Some games can be influenced by the mental state of the players, and casinos know this. For this reason, they use techniques with lights and sounds to increase excitement, give a false feeling of victory and stimulate the player during their stay in the casino.
• Statistics and data analysis: The most advanced ones record their plays and take advantage of the data to analyze them and detect patterns in each of their plays. Thus, they can create strategies when they identify the patterns. They can also correct errors when playing.

Playing in a casino are qualities that you have to keep in mind. The casino may be playing with your mind to encourage you to make riskier moves or play more money. You also have more power than you think when playing casino games (both physical and online).

Strategies for casino games

As we say, through statistics and data analysis, players are able to create strategies that increase the chances of winning. Some of these strategies see the light of day and become very popular. Others are kept with suspicion to prevent them from being targeted by casinos.

For each of the casino games, dozens of different strategies were tested. Many became popular, and in the most popular games these strategies are used almost daily to reduce the risk of loss.

Each of the strategies that can be put into practice is different. From the difficulty of putting it into practice to how effective it can be. Let’s see what the most popular strategies are for each of the games and if you can really take advantage of them when playing to achieve better results.

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the few games in which you can reduce the house advantage through good strategy. This card game does not depend only on luck, but also on your skill as a player and your decision making. Among the most common strategies that blackjack players take advantage of are:

• Basic strategy: The optimal plays are memorized according to the cards you have in your hand and the one shown by the dealer.
• Counting cards: Although it is a prohibited technique in many casinos, counting cards can help predict the most likely cards that the dealer will deliver, potentially giving you a huge advantage.

Roulette

There is no doubt that roulette is a game of chance, and predicting where the ball is going to land based on pure statistics is practically impossible. That doesn’t mean there aren’t strategies that can help you increase your chances of winning. In roulette you can experience a sequence of victories and defeats, and taking this into account make certain decisions. The most common strategies in casino roulette are the following:

• Martingale: after each losing game, double your bet with the aim of recovering the money you initially invested. It is a strategy for which large funds are needed.
• Paroli: After you have guessed correctly, double your bet. With this strategy what you are looking for is to maximize your profits on winning streaks.
• D’Alembert– Adjust your bet whether you win or lose. After you have won, reduce your bet by one unit. In case you have lost, increase your bet by the same value.

Poker

Among the card games that you can enjoy in a casino, poker is probably the one that offers the most information. Unlike other games, you do not compete against the house, but against other players, being able to apply some specific strategies in your game:

• Tight-Aggressive: It is a way of playing that is done safely, not playing with weak hands. When you have a strong hand you play with determination and betting heavily.
• Count Outcards: In order to calculate the possibilities it is important to know how many cards could improve your hand. Take into account the outs after the flop to see if you can form a strong hand that will allow you to win.
• Read your opponents: bluffing is common in poker (bluffs)betting when you don’t have very good cards trying to scare your opponents. You have to analyze the players’ hands and identify when one of the players is most likely to lie.

Slot machine

In the case of slot machines, there are no strategies as such. They are the maximum expression when it comes to chance. And nowadays these games work with a random number generator (RNG) that makes it practically impossible to identify a pattern in them. However, there are a few things that players can take advantage of to maximize results:

• Budget Management: Establishing a budget when playing and sticking to it is necessary to be able to make moves at the right time.
• Know the RTP: as we said, the RTP It is the probability of winning that casino games have, and that all casinos are obliged to share with players. A game with a higher RTP offers higher chances of winning.

Conclusion

Although casino games have always been considered games of chance, many of them have scientific components that players can take advantage of.

There are many different strategies for each of the games that you can follow to increase your chances of winning. Each one has its pros and cons, as well as requiring some specific situations in order to work.

Take advantage of the strategies that best suit your situation and try to increase your chances of winning at the casino.