Gaming Guru

Skill Can Overcome Luck at the Tables

Dear Frank:

My reflections:

I am 76 years old and have been around the block (casinos) a few times. I have only been to casinos five times over night since 2006 mainly for shows. Reason being I have become a stock day trader, with a winning percentage. Casino wagering has become a bore since then, unless success is being in the right place/bets at the casino at the right time is wrong. I place the 6 and 8 and two don't come bets.

In July 2006 11:15am at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City I went to a $5 table, which was full. Racks were filled with $5 chips. While waiting for a spot I counted 39 non 7-11 throws. I was told he had thrown at least 20-30 times before I got there. The biggest bets were $10-$20. Very quiet table. The shooter was $10 pass and $10 odds and only gave the dealers a $10 tip. The next shooters, point seven was common. Gambling in my opinion is being in the right place/right time. Unless they send telegrams.

I can verify about the amount of time spent to get comp without being a high roller. Was amazed this past July 2010 to see $2 blackjack and $5 craps. I would appreciate your comments.

I enjoy your comments.

JC

Dear JC:

Being at the right place at the right time is certainly good luck, although skill can overcome good and bad luck in the long run. At craps that means learning a controlled throw and betting appropriately.

Those two-dollar blackjack games and those five-dollar craps games are a reflection of the economy. I think on those two-dollar blackjack games the casino takes a 25-cent commission on the bets -- which makes these games awful. You are better off betting five dollars. Those $5 craps games are great for low rollers and might just stimulate some craps play in people who have avoided the games because the stakes were too high.

I am giving you a free 30-day subscription to my private member's only web site at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members on this site and I think you will enjoy it.

Frank