What are the odds?

The moments before the river (the last flop card) is turned over can be tense as hell. And while there’s an air of the unexpected going around the table, good players know the odds of the hand they are trying to pull. Want to join the ranks of the mathematically proficient? Check out the list of odds below, and you’ll be able to make better decisions about whether you want to stick a hand out to the end.
Odds of pulling common hands on the river
• Odds of pulling a straight on an open-ended draw = 4.8 to 1
o Example: You’re holding a 5–6 and the cards on the table are A-7-8-J. These are the odds that you will pull a 4 or a 9.

• Odds of pulling an inside straight = 10.5 to 1
o Example: In this situation, you are holding a 7-8 and the cards on the table are 6-10-2-K. Therefore, the only card that will get you your straight is a 9.

• Odds of pulling a flush when you are four to the flush = 4.1 to 1
o Example: Simple one here. You’ve got two hearts in your hand and there are two more hearts on the table. These are the odds that your prayers will be answered and another heart will turn up on the river.

• Odds of pulling two pair or trips when you’ve got a pair in the hole = 8.2 to 1.
o Example: In this scenario you need two pair or trips to win. You’re holding J-J and the board shows K-A-2-8. These are the odds that you will pull a J, K, A, 2 or 8.

• Odds of pulling trips when you’ve got a pair in the hole = 22 to 1.
o Example: This is a tough pull. In this scenario you need trips to win. You’re holding J-J and the board shows K-A-2-8. These are the odds that you will pull that magical Jack and win the day!

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SALE! - Spiderman Slot Machine - * SUPER ELITE MODEL *

This is a DREAM slot machine for any fan of the Spiderman brand, and is available here for the first time on U.S. soil in this very limited release.* The Spiderman Slot Machine plugs right in to your wall and there is no installation required (110 volt ready) * Factory re-furbished slot machine * Two year warranty with each slot machine which covers everything but the light bulbs. * A key for complete access to your machine * Reset switch / Key to change the odds. * Basic operating manual, along with unlimited technical support by phone * We install custom made labels in each Spiderman slot machine so that you can easily locate the reset switch, power, and volume controls without referring to the manual (refer to the picture to your left.) * Play 1, 2, or 3 coins at once (some of the newer machines are 3 coin max bet only) If you have a question about the slot machine listed in this ad please email us. * Accepts tokens only and cannot be readily changed to accept coins * Full light and sound just like you've enjoyed in the casinos for years! * Animated display or video screens (depending on title) * Toll free customer support to answer any and all of your questionsIncludes a fully animated LCD screen which provides hours of entertainment.Upon arrival of the slot machines from the Japanese Casinos to our refurbishment facility, the transformation to like-new conditioning begins.The cabinet defects are filled and sanded to ensure a uniform surface. The cabinet is then painted with a highly durable exterior paint. The painted is allowed to dry on the way to the electrical department.This electrical overhaul utilitzes a checkpoint system which addresses machine safety, user safety and functionality.

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Slot Machines on Sale... Nice

Opinion: Slot Machines, the Essence of Chance

In my previous posts, I outlines the basic idea of what slot machines give you. They aren't exactly as exciting as a game of craps, and they don't involve as much skill or agency as most card games. So what do they offer?

1. Ease. let's face it, a lot of people truly enjoy participating in games of chance, but are intimidated by games with more complicated rules. Games like Omaha eight or better are really difficult. Even games like blackjack or craps require one to stay focused on the action. With slots, you have the inherent fun of just betting on something, without all of the effort and concentration.

2. Complete Chance. There must be something apart from the skill based and social aspects of casino gaming that appeals to people. Chance appeals to something fundamental in all of us, namely, the idea of hoping against hope. When you bet, you are betting on yourself to triumph against the odds. Slots still have that. Perhaps proportionately slot machines have even more of the excitement that comes with betting because there is nothing else involved, and because you can place more bets per hour.

Lady Luck and Slots: Part One

So, I've been writing some new content for the PokerChest website. Here's a little excerpt from the section on slot machines:

Remember, in the long-run variance won’t add up to that much. Slot machines are programmed to only pay you back a percentage of what you put in, and that percentage is always less than 100.

It's really interesting to me that people play at slots, a game that pretty much assures a loss and doesn't even seem enjoyable. Poker is not that sort of a casino game - if you know how to play, you can beat the house and your opponents in the long run. And even in a lot of the other card games, though it is statistically probable that you will lose, there is some level of agency. And, beyond all of that, most casino games of chance are fun. You are basically paying for the enjoyment of losing your money at Craps, for instance.

With Slots, that doesn't seem to be the case. It's all computerized. So, is it enjoyable? I mean, c'mon. Is it enjoyable to watch numbers blast out of a chute when you are playing lotto? I don't hear of those broadcasts having particularly high viewerships. I don't think it is quite so simple.

Next Post: My Theory.

Baltimore Seeks Casinos as a Solution

Pictured: Members of Baltimore mayor's task force on property tax relief (from left) state Sen. Verna L. Jones, Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors Vice President Joseph T. Landers III and city Comptroller Joan M. Pratt. (Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum / January 3, 2008)

Baltimore has the highest property tax rate in the state of Maryland. In a time where many middle-class folks are feeling financial pressures due to mortgages with higher interest rates, there is a great interest in financial relief through reduced taxes. Today, the Baltimore Sun reports on a proposal that could bring about change.

Mayor Sheila Dixon thinks she may have the solution for beleaguered homeowners: casinos. For the past 10 years, Marylanders have been debating over introducing the casino industry into the state. (Baltimore currently allows slot machines, which is still a source of controversy for some.) Dixon and her supporters argue that casinos tend to bring in great revenue to the city through tourism and many of these tourists tend to be wealthy. According to her calculations, casinos could bring down property tax rates by 17 cents.

Although there is some resistance from other leaders and legislators, a committee in favor of casinos calculates that the city can earn up to $45.9 million, whereas slots bring in only $32.8 million.