How to Minimize the House Edge in Slot Machines

If you play a casino game, you’ll want to be aware of the house edge, which is the house’s advantage over you. It’s a mathematically calculated advantage that the casino has in all casino games, including slot machines. The house edge represents the average gross profit that the casino earns from every game. The more time you spend at the casino, the higher your chances are of falling victim to this edge. However, there are ways to minimize the house edge.

Casinos in Nevada began to expand in the 1950s and 1960s. While many legitimate businessmen were wary about getting involved in casinos, organized crime figures had plenty of cash to spend from their illegal rackets. The mafia saw gambling’s seamy image as an opportunity and decided to take advantage. As a result, money from the mob flowed into Las Vegas and Reno casinos. Eventually, mafia members became personally involved in some casinos and even threatened casino personnel.

As technology developed, casinos began using video cameras to monitor the games. Computers also monitor the results of individual wagers. One method is called chip tracking, which involves putting microcircuitry in betting chips. This technology allows casinos to track the wagers minute by minute. Casinos also monitor roulette wheels for statistical deviations. In addition, casinos are increasingly turning their casino games into wholly automated machines, which do not require a dealer.