6 Things You Should Know About The Mechanics Of Gambling
Let’s take a look under the hood of gambling and find out what makes it tick. We’re giving it to you straight about how odds in gambling actually works.
We’re going to take a look at a variety of different type of betting, including darts betting of course, to find out the truth behind the odds.
1. Odds in darts are based on past performances (but always expect the unexpected)
This might seem obvious, but it’s important to spell out that how sportsbooks work out odds in darts (and sports in general) is a careful analysis of what happened previously. However, as we all know, things don’t always pan out as we expect. That’s why it’s important to say that you should never think of a bet as a “sure thing”. Nothing is for sure in life, and certainly not in darts or any other sport, for that matter.
2. Poker is a game of skill
Poker has a reputation for being a tough game to play and an even tougher game to master. And that is fair. The thing about poker is, the best player usually really does win. Making sure you’re on top of strategy and really think about how you’re playing, plus how your opponents play, really does help. But of course, that’s not to say you won’t run into a bad beat.
3. Slots are totally random
Slots are governed by random number generators, which means they are truly random. Also, owing to the wide array of symbols, paylines, reels and features in many slots games, it’s clear that the number of outcomes possible is mind boggling. The whole idea of a hot or cold slot is kind of misleading. No one can predict when a slot pays out.
Also, it’s important to note that all slots will always have a return to player percentage. This is the average amount a slot pays out over thousands and thousands of slots. It’s not what you can expect to get back every time. And of course, as they are always under 100%, you know over time you’re bound to make a loss.
4. Online bingo and scatchcards are ditto, totally random
Just like slots, RNGs rule the roost over at online bingo and virtual scratchcards. There’s nothing you can do to affect the outcome.
5. Good strategy in blackjack minimizes losses
Some games are total and complete luck. Blackjack is a bit of a mix of luck and strategy. Again, it’s clear nothing is guaranteed. But there are also a set number of outcomes. Therefore, it matters what you do when faced with certain hands. Do yourself a favor and brush up on basic blackjack strategy before you play again. This isn’t going to stop you from losing. But it is going to stop you from making clearly poor decisions.
6. Roulette odds and payouts are (almost) always the same
Roulette has one of the most predictable odds and payouts systems of any casino game. You know what the riskiest bets are and what the pay outs are. And almost every version is the same. With one vital exception.
There are two big camps in the world when it comes to roulette. European and American. European roulette has slightly better odds, simply because it has one less number on the wheel (American has a 00).
Get the help you need with a gambling problem
No matter how well you understand odds in gambling, if you think you have a problem, you need to get help as soon as possible.
Professional organizations can help you with that. For example, in the United States the National Council on Problem Gambling is there on the phone at 1800 522 4700 or online. Meanwhile, Be Gamble Aware is an excellent organization in the United Kingdom. You can phone them at 0808 8020 133 or access resources online.
There are lots of other organizations around the world that you can reach out to in order to get help.
Take a look at our other responsible gambling posts, including:
- Guide to self-exclusion
- Taking a time out
- Common signs you might have a gambling problem
- What to look out for in loved ones who might have a gambling problem
