Casino games often involve algorithms to ensure fairness and randomness in outcomes, using random number generators and other mathematical models to determine the results of games like slots, roulette, and blackjack. While superficially identical to their real-world origins, casino games operate based on these hidden algorithms that determine the chances of payouts. Can they be manipulated to player advantage? No, but other ways exist to turn the odds in the player’s favour.
Casino Algorithms and RNG
Casino games operate randomly using RNG (random number generators) to provide players with a fair chance of finishing ahead. While not universally the case, many online casinos are affiliated with independent testing firms such as TST or eCogra, which ensure that the RNG works as intended. Better yet, many casinos/software developers provide in-depth detail on the expected returns from particular games, specifying the RTP (return to player) and variance/volatility (how far from the average the game goes). More volatile games have more chances of purple patches and dry spells.
Understanding the Gameplay and Algorithms of the Most Popular Casino Games
Blackjack is probably the best game in the casino for several reasons. One of the most helpful to players is that the game has a low house edge compared to slots and every other table game. Roulette runs it closest, but blackjack is still the best deal in a casino based on average return to player. Easy to learn but hard to master, the game involves a degree of player choice in meaningful decisions that reward sharper players. Because it’s so popular and has been for over a century, a range of enticing blackjack variants have sprung up, and free online blackjack can be experienced via special offers for players old and new, including free tournaments. Variants can refresh this old classic, played as a regular game (player versus computer algorithm) or in a live dealer setting with a real dealer doling out the cards.
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why. The game is easy to understand and play, yet it still offers players plenty of excitement and entertainment. The spinning wheel and bouncing ball create a sense of anticipation that draws players in, and the variety of betting options means that players can customize their wagers to suit their preferences and strategies.
Finally, online slots have become increasingly popular in the UK over the past decade. The convenience of playing from home and the endless variety of online slot games have made slots popular for many players, becoming as popular as the game of blackjack. Many online slots also offer attractive bonus features, such as free spins and multipliers, which can significantly increase a player’s chances of winning. Overall, the convenience, variety, and excitement make online blackjack, roulette and slots popular for UK players at online casinos.
Many players believe games can run hot or cold, whether by design or due to the nature of chance. In strict RNG terms, this is unlikely to be the case, and the very nature of the numbers being random means it is difficult to formulate an ongoing strategy for finishing ahead and beating the algorithms that lie behind casino games. But that has not stopped players from trying it, with some methods more successful than others.
The Problem with Martingale
Speculation with money, whether that’s straight-up gambling, investing in the stock market, or trading cryptocurrency, can always go wrong if luck turns sour. Because of this, players have long dreamt of using mathematical models to guarantee a profit, and one of the most popular is also one of the worst: the Martingale strategy.
To start with, online casinos often ban this, so even trying it can mean a closed account. But even if this were not the case, players should shun it. The Martingale approach is this: repeat the bet with each win in a roughly 50/50 market (the usual example is black/red in roulette). With each loss, double the stake, resetting when a win occurs. If you win, you’re back ahead by about one (initial) stake. This makes it very likely you will end up ahead, which is why casinos frequently forbid this approach.
So far, so good. The problem is this: black or red turning up with the spin of a roulette wheel is unrelated to the previous spin’s result. It’s just as likely to get alternating colours or 12 reds in a row. In financial terms, any win will be small (about one stake), whereas any loss will be alarmingly large. And the numbers spiral upwards very swiftly. If your ordinary stake is £1, then just five losses in a row see you betting £16. If that bet loses, you’re down £31, whereas keeping the stake level would have incurred just a £5 loss. On top of that, high rollers will quickly bump into the upper limit of stakes permitted at a given table, so doubling the bet will no longer be possible. Martingale is appealing because it does improve your chances, in a session, of ending up green. But that will be a small profit, whereas any loss will be enormous. So do not be seduced by this superficially attractive strategy. Instead, try lateral thinking with a combination of sports betting and promotions.
Sidestepping to Success, Mixing Online Casino and Sports Bonuses
Using Martingale to beat an algorithm does not work in the long term, though it may deliver short term success. But players can consistently profit by using bonuses at online casino sites that are home to both casino games and sports betting, flitting between the two. For example, a player joins two websites with similar casino and sports offerings. The player likes casino gaming and opts for free spins. With one site, they have no win, but with another, they finish ahead slightly. The profit is enough for them to make a sports bet and earn £20 in free sports bets as a promotion (a common deal for new players).
The free spins have earned a free sports bet. But this can then be turned into a guaranteed profit by placing a binary bet (goals under/over for a football match, for example) with one side wagered at the first online betting set and the contrary side of the bet placed at the second betting site. Because one wager is a free bet, this is a win-win scenario. The profit can then be withdrawn or used on slot games, blackjack, etc.
Many sites also offer free slots tournaments which present a chance to win prizes at zero cost and increase numbers offer freeroll (no entry fee) blackjack and poker tournaments. By the very nature of the business model, the average result for players of any casino game will be a loss. But by using bonuses and switching from one wallet to another, players can finish ahead regularly.
Do not be persuaded by those who believe they have developed a mathematical system for guaranteed wins in the long term. Not only is this likely to be false (and potentially a huge risk, as per Martingale), but if it were true, every casino site would rapidly update to avoid making a guaranteed loss. And, as always, only bet what you can afford to lose.
