Wizard on LiveStream
March 11th, 2023 at 4:34:09 PM
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Sorry to hear about Pickle. We'll miss Pickle's antics. 😿
March 25th, 2023 at 7:07:26 PM
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Episode #89
Stream Date: 03-23-2023
Length: 00:59:35
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Cruise ship
02:30 Magic trick
05:50 Spring trivia (throughout show)
06:24 A finger wag
07:19 Puppies and dogs
09:48 Inventing casino games
12:00 A normal haircut
12:33 Wizard's retirement
19:50 VP: Player's Clubs
21:12 Slots: Rock Paper Scissors
25:01 Normal hair pics
28:36 Baccarat: Counting the Dragon
31:11 Are progressive jackpots worth it?
34:52 The Mole People of Vegas
37:56 Wizard's bad bets & stories
41:26 Slots: Buffalo red or black cards
42:35 Slots: Youtubers losing money
43:34 Blackjack: Extreme variance
48:09 Sports: Betting on pro wrestling
49:09 Great gamblers
52:40 Magic trick explained
55:00 The Mirage volcano
56:04 Ugly colors
Next LiveStream: 04/07/2023
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Game Inventors Corner
Card Counting the Dragon Bet in Baccarat
Stream Date: 03-23-2023
Length: 00:59:35
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Cruise ship
02:30 Magic trick
05:50 Spring trivia (throughout show)
06:24 A finger wag
07:19 Puppies and dogs
09:48 Inventing casino games
12:00 A normal haircut
12:33 Wizard's retirement
19:50 VP: Player's Clubs
21:12 Slots: Rock Paper Scissors
25:01 Normal hair pics
28:36 Baccarat: Counting the Dragon
31:11 Are progressive jackpots worth it?
34:52 The Mole People of Vegas
37:56 Wizard's bad bets & stories
41:26 Slots: Buffalo red or black cards
42:35 Slots: Youtubers losing money
43:34 Blackjack: Extreme variance
48:09 Sports: Betting on pro wrestling
49:09 Great gamblers
52:40 Magic trick explained
55:00 The Mirage volcano
56:04 Ugly colors
Next LiveStream: 04/07/2023
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Game Inventors Corner
Card Counting the Dragon Bet in Baccarat
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 6th, 2023 at 3:05:47 PM
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QUESTION: Do you think the casino table minimums have far outpaced inflation rates of the U.S. dollar?
It seemed like $5 table minimums for games like craps or blackjack were available not too long ago, and they jumped to $15 or $25 without staying for long at $10.
It seemed like $5 table minimums for games like craps or blackjack were available not too long ago, and they jumped to $15 or $25 without staying for long at $10.
Last edited by: smoothgrh on Apr 6, 2023
April 6th, 2023 at 5:21:26 PM
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Quote: smoothgrhQUESTION: Do you think the casino table minimums have far outpaced inflation rates of the U.S. dollar?
It seemed like $5 table minimums were for games like craps or blackjack were available not too long ago, and they jumped to $15 or $25 without staying for long at $10.
link to original post
I think what happened was that they left them at $5 for way too long. $5 minimum was common 30 years ago. If they had raised them $5 every 5 or so years it wouldn't seem like such a shock now.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 7th, 2023 at 5:37:15 AM
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I checked this out with a calculator and to cover inflation the bet would now be still less than $10Quote: smoothgrhQUESTION: Do you think the casino table minimums have far outpaced inflation rates of the U.S. dollar?
It seemed like $5 table minimums for games like craps or blackjack were available not too long ago, and they jumped to $15 or $25 without staying for long at $10.
link to original post
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
April 8th, 2023 at 12:43:26 PM
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Episode #90
Stream Date: 04-06-2023
Length: 01:02:40
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Park permits & Burning Man
04:11 Jumping off a cliff
05:08 Peanuts trivia (1st quarter)
05:42 Blackjack: Ace/Five counting
06:36 Favorite games
08:20 Slots: Lightning Link
09:02 Lottery: Ticket codes
09:41 Wizard retirement
12:10 Slots: Bonus round randomness
12:52 Blackjack: 3/2 vs 6/5
14:14 Pai Gow Tiles: Skill vs luck
16:15 Easter trivia (last 3 quarters)
17:11 Show: Gambling with an Edge
19:54 Ojos Locos casino
20:32 Calculating house edges
21:35 UTH: Playing two hands
21:51 Photographic memory games
23:18 Tipping casino dealers
26:33 Blackjack: Freebet vs standard
27:36 Craps: Dice control
33:21 Show: Las Vegas Advisor
34:30 VP: Sequential royals
38:09 Slots: Jackpot taxes
40:51 Wonderhussy
44:28 Smoking in casinos
46:29 Baccarat: Sequential wins
50:50 Formula 1 in Vegas
51:22 Craps: Bubble game
51:40 Solar Eclipse 2024
54:46 3CP: Good for new players?
57:05 Craps: Light vs Dark side
58:10 Tongue twisters
59:21 Sports: +EV bets
Next LiveStream: 04/20/2023
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The Ace/Five Count
Card Counting in Baccarat
Wonderhussy Adventures
Stream Date: 04-06-2023
Length: 01:02:40
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Park permits & Burning Man
04:11 Jumping off a cliff
05:08 Peanuts trivia (1st quarter)
05:42 Blackjack: Ace/Five counting
06:36 Favorite games
08:20 Slots: Lightning Link
09:02 Lottery: Ticket codes
09:41 Wizard retirement
12:10 Slots: Bonus round randomness
12:52 Blackjack: 3/2 vs 6/5
14:14 Pai Gow Tiles: Skill vs luck
16:15 Easter trivia (last 3 quarters)
17:11 Show: Gambling with an Edge
19:54 Ojos Locos casino
20:32 Calculating house edges
21:35 UTH: Playing two hands
21:51 Photographic memory games
23:18 Tipping casino dealers
26:33 Blackjack: Freebet vs standard
27:36 Craps: Dice control
33:21 Show: Las Vegas Advisor
34:30 VP: Sequential royals
38:09 Slots: Jackpot taxes
40:51 Wonderhussy
44:28 Smoking in casinos
46:29 Baccarat: Sequential wins
50:50 Formula 1 in Vegas
51:22 Craps: Bubble game
51:40 Solar Eclipse 2024
54:46 3CP: Good for new players?
57:05 Craps: Light vs Dark side
58:10 Tongue twisters
59:21 Sports: +EV bets
Next LiveStream: 04/20/2023
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The Ace/Five Count
Card Counting in Baccarat
Wonderhussy Adventures
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 22nd, 2023 at 11:19:26 AM
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Episode #91
Stream Date: 04-20-2023
Length: 01:01:23
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Miscellaneous trivia (throughout show)
02:28 Roulette: Repeating numbers
04:57 Craps: Dice control
07:56 Computer simulated dice rolls
14:25 Linking player cards
15:54 Pineapple & cakes
20:40 Slots: Pulling player cards
28:41 Roulette: Triple zero
30:36 Confronting aggressive players
33:48 Craps: Long shoots
35:31 Slots: Combating vultures
37:38 When to stop playing
38:59 Book: "Gambling 102" update
41:17 Online: Urgent Software games
49:42 Craps: A limited bankroll
51:59 Can RNGs be cracked?
53:40 Blackjack: 2 hands vs raising bet
54:45 Ampelmännchen
58:02 Casino minimums outpacing inflation
Next LiveStream: 05/11/2023
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Gambling 102: The Best Strategies for All Casino Games (2nd edition at Amazon)
Stream Date: 04-20-2023
Length: 01:01:23
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Miscellaneous trivia (throughout show)
02:28 Roulette: Repeating numbers
04:57 Craps: Dice control
07:56 Computer simulated dice rolls
14:25 Linking player cards
15:54 Pineapple & cakes
20:40 Slots: Pulling player cards
28:41 Roulette: Triple zero
30:36 Confronting aggressive players
33:48 Craps: Long shoots
35:31 Slots: Combating vultures
37:38 When to stop playing
38:59 Book: "Gambling 102" update
41:17 Online: Urgent Software games
49:42 Craps: A limited bankroll
51:59 Can RNGs be cracked?
53:40 Blackjack: 2 hands vs raising bet
54:45 Ampelmännchen
58:02 Casino minimums outpacing inflation
Next LiveStream: 05/11/2023
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Gambling 102: The Best Strategies for All Casino Games (2nd edition at Amazon)
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 23rd, 2023 at 9:00:55 PM
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Are you using Chapgpt or any of the other Ai to do anything gambling related?
I asked Bing's chat ai to write a poem with a few parameters. (Elvis, you, playing poker on Christmas Eve) It took 3 seconds or so to write this. Not great but it's free.
The Wizard of Odds and Elvis too,
Playing poker on Christmas Eve,
The stakes were high and the cards were new,
And the Wizard was ready to deceive.
He played his hand with skill and grace,
And Elvis was left in awe,
For the Wizard had a poker face,
That left the King with his jaw on the floor.
But Elvis wasn't one to give up so soon,
He played his hand with all his might,
And soon he had the Wizard in a swoon,
As he won hand after hand that night.
The chips were flying and the drinks were flowing,
As the two legends played their game,
And soon they were both glowing,
With the joy that comes from winning fame.
So if you ever find yourself in Vegas on Christmas Eve,
Just remember this story and you'll believe,
That the Wizard of Odds and Elvis too,
Were once playing poker, just like me and you.
______________________
There was another version it wrote where you had a royal flush and Elvis has a pair a kings but he foiled you somehow by bringing out his guitar and playing it. And then somehow God was in on this game. I don't where it came up with that one.
One things i've noticed, is that the more specifics you can add into the inquiry the less generic the output. Otherwise you get similar outputs around the same ideas or questions.
I asked Bing's chat ai to write a poem with a few parameters. (Elvis, you, playing poker on Christmas Eve) It took 3 seconds or so to write this. Not great but it's free.
The Wizard of Odds and Elvis too,
Playing poker on Christmas Eve,
The stakes were high and the cards were new,
And the Wizard was ready to deceive.
He played his hand with skill and grace,
And Elvis was left in awe,
For the Wizard had a poker face,
That left the King with his jaw on the floor.
But Elvis wasn't one to give up so soon,
He played his hand with all his might,
And soon he had the Wizard in a swoon,
As he won hand after hand that night.
The chips were flying and the drinks were flowing,
As the two legends played their game,
And soon they were both glowing,
With the joy that comes from winning fame.
So if you ever find yourself in Vegas on Christmas Eve,
Just remember this story and you'll believe,
That the Wizard of Odds and Elvis too,
Were once playing poker, just like me and you.
______________________
There was another version it wrote where you had a royal flush and Elvis has a pair a kings but he foiled you somehow by bringing out his guitar and playing it. And then somehow God was in on this game. I don't where it came up with that one.
One things i've noticed, is that the more specifics you can add into the inquiry the less generic the output. Otherwise you get similar outputs around the same ideas or questions.
Last edited by: rxwine on Apr 23, 2023
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
May 6th, 2023 at 8:06:23 PM
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Episode #92
Stream Date: 05-04-2023
Length: 01:06:02
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 1960's Trivia (throughout show)
03:13 VP: Double Up feature
04:41 Video Keno vs Slots
06:34 Bubble Craps: Buying the 4 & 10
09:49 Blackjack: Winning 4 hands in a row
11:15 Mahjong
12:45 Blackjack: Free Bet 3/2 vs regular 6/5
13:21 Arcade redemption ticket games
16:11 Blackjack: Are online games rigged?
18:02 Gaming conferences
22:35 Blackjack: Card counting for beginners
25:07 Which game has the best odds?
26:08 Book: "Gambling 102" (3rd edition)
30:07 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 1)
31:18 RNG vs algorithm
34:02 Blackjack: Can 6/5 be beaten?
35:29 Blackjack: Wizard's app
36:27 Higher minimum trends
40:29 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 2)
41:41 The value of comps
46:23 A random card is a random card
50:14 The A's moving to Vegas
52:15 Is card counting still a thing?
53:23 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 3)
54:08 A low HE & a high volatility
56:30 Sports betting & AI
58:13 A magic trick
Next LiveStream: 05/18/2023
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Wizard Blackjack Card Counting Trainer
Platypus Garden YouTube Channel
Stream Date: 05-04-2023
Length: 01:06:02
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 1960's Trivia (throughout show)
03:13 VP: Double Up feature
04:41 Video Keno vs Slots
06:34 Bubble Craps: Buying the 4 & 10
09:49 Blackjack: Winning 4 hands in a row
11:15 Mahjong
12:45 Blackjack: Free Bet 3/2 vs regular 6/5
13:21 Arcade redemption ticket games
16:11 Blackjack: Are online games rigged?
18:02 Gaming conferences
22:35 Blackjack: Card counting for beginners
25:07 Which game has the best odds?
26:08 Book: "Gambling 102" (3rd edition)
30:07 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 1)
31:18 RNG vs algorithm
34:02 Blackjack: Can 6/5 be beaten?
35:29 Blackjack: Wizard's app
36:27 Higher minimum trends
40:29 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 2)
41:41 The value of comps
46:23 A random card is a random card
50:14 The A's moving to Vegas
52:15 Is card counting still a thing?
53:23 Is electronic roulette rigged? (part 3)
54:08 A low HE & a high volatility
56:30 Sports betting & AI
58:13 A magic trick
Next LiveStream: 05/18/2023
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Wizard Blackjack Card Counting Trainer
Platypus Garden YouTube Channel
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
May 6th, 2023 at 8:28:18 PM
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Contrary to what was said at the end of the April 20 live stream, we had one on May 4. This was due to a scheduling misunderstanding.
The next live stream is scheduled for May 18. So, no live stream this week.
The next live stream is scheduled for May 18. So, no live stream this week.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
May 27th, 2023 at 4:23:36 PM
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Episode #93
Stream Date: 05-18-2023
Length: 00:52:52
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Sorry I'm late
01:20 Birthday trivia (1st half of show)
01:54 Blackjack: Pennsylvania mandates
02:39 Calculators in the casino
06:16 Blackjack: Counting sevens
07:11 Becoming the Wizard of Odds
15:12 Video Poker: Max bet
16:03 "Gambling 102" 3rd edition release
20:22 Programming languages
23:08 Sorry for the interruption
25:28 Shuffle machines
29:28 Slots: Changing the HE
31:39 60's trivia (2nd half of show)
31:54 Roulette: Ban bets
33:44 Low risk/max playing time betting
39:23 And the locust cometh
41:57 3CP: Strategy
42:12 Martingale as camouflage
45:00 Golden Knights & Pickleball
49:09 The new Zelda
49:40 Wall art
51:07 The penny-farthing bicycle
Next LiveStream: 06/01/2023
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The Hedgehog Betting System
Stream Date: 05-18-2023
Length: 00:52:52
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Sorry I'm late
01:20 Birthday trivia (1st half of show)
01:54 Blackjack: Pennsylvania mandates
02:39 Calculators in the casino
06:16 Blackjack: Counting sevens
07:11 Becoming the Wizard of Odds
15:12 Video Poker: Max bet
16:03 "Gambling 102" 3rd edition release
20:22 Programming languages
23:08 Sorry for the interruption
25:28 Shuffle machines
29:28 Slots: Changing the HE
31:39 60's trivia (2nd half of show)
31:54 Roulette: Ban bets
33:44 Low risk/max playing time betting
39:23 And the locust cometh
41:57 3CP: Strategy
42:12 Martingale as camouflage
45:00 Golden Knights & Pickleball
49:09 The new Zelda
49:40 Wall art
51:07 The penny-farthing bicycle
Next LiveStream: 06/01/2023
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The Hedgehog Betting System
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
May 27th, 2023 at 7:02:16 PM
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Mike:
With respect to the Lightning Link / Dragon Link / Dollar Storm series of machines with a hold and spin feature, the house advantage is done through the amounts shown on the symbols that trigger the hold and spin feature. Reels are identical across all bet sizes and denoms.
With respect to the Lightning Link / Dragon Link / Dollar Storm series of machines with a hold and spin feature, the house advantage is done through the amounts shown on the symbols that trigger the hold and spin feature. Reels are identical across all bet sizes and denoms.
June 1st, 2023 at 2:24:23 PM
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Live stream reminder in 35 minutes.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
June 3rd, 2023 at 12:47:54 PM
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Episode #94
Stream Date: 06-01-2023
Length: 01:04:59
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Finger movements
01:50 Barbie trivia (throughout show)
03:21 Blackjack: HE & number of decks
09:51 Earning casino comps
13:59 Off Strip comps for the Strip
16:57 Slots: Changing the RTP
18:21 Dinosaurs
21:38 Card distribution
24:33 Heads Up Hold'em strategy
27:53 New table games
34:40 Determining your bet size
35:15 Beatable casino games
36:08 Online casino comps
42:22 Comped rooms & resort fees
44:49 Baccarat: Can it be beaten?
46:22 Chatbots
52:33 UTH: Programs & computations
54:51 Is Vegas getting gentrified?
56:28 Craps: Pass vs don't pass
Next LiveStream: 06/15/2023
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Why the number of decks matters in blackjack
Heads Up Hold'em
3 Shot Poker
Card Counting in Baccarat
Stream Date: 06-01-2023
Length: 01:04:59
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Finger movements
01:50 Barbie trivia (throughout show)
03:21 Blackjack: HE & number of decks
09:51 Earning casino comps
13:59 Off Strip comps for the Strip
16:57 Slots: Changing the RTP
18:21 Dinosaurs
21:38 Card distribution
24:33 Heads Up Hold'em strategy
27:53 New table games
34:40 Determining your bet size
35:15 Beatable casino games
36:08 Online casino comps
42:22 Comped rooms & resort fees
44:49 Baccarat: Can it be beaten?
46:22 Chatbots
52:33 UTH: Programs & computations
54:51 Is Vegas getting gentrified?
56:28 Craps: Pass vs don't pass
Next LiveStream: 06/15/2023
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Why the number of decks matters in blackjack
Heads Up Hold'em
3 Shot Poker
Card Counting in Baccarat
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 17th, 2023 at 12:33:22 PM
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Episode #95
Stream Date: 06-15-2023
Length: 01:02:26
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Subway & Gunlock
07:58 Classic car trivia (throughout show)
09:08 Free bet Blackjack: A/5 count
09:52 VP: Multi game strategy
10:14 Using non-negotiable chips
10:37 Slots: Variable state strategies
13:15 Casinos tracking bets
15:44 PGT: Banker advantage
16:14 Vegas Boring Tunnel Loop
18:37 The digits of Pi
23:12 Arnold Snyder R.I.P.
27:24 Tracking different bets
29:05 Tipping 'bad apple' dealers
31:56 Calculating HE
35:42 Trusting an RNG
38:04 Vegas table limits
39:03 Math YouTubers
41:27 A's baseball stadium
45:34 Math classes for gambling
46:13 Craps: Hopping 7s vs Any 7
47:01 Match52
51:53 Dealers who gamble
53:30 Craps: A comp advantage
56:24 A double up strategy
58:43 AP: Slots vs table games
Next LiveStream: 07/13/2023
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Gunlock State Park (official site)
Stream Date: 06-15-2023
Length: 01:02:26
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Subway & Gunlock
07:58 Classic car trivia (throughout show)
09:08 Free bet Blackjack: A/5 count
09:52 VP: Multi game strategy
10:14 Using non-negotiable chips
10:37 Slots: Variable state strategies
13:15 Casinos tracking bets
15:44 PGT: Banker advantage
16:14 Vegas Boring Tunnel Loop
18:37 The digits of Pi
23:12 Arnold Snyder R.I.P.
27:24 Tracking different bets
29:05 Tipping 'bad apple' dealers
31:56 Calculating HE
35:42 Trusting an RNG
38:04 Vegas table limits
39:03 Math YouTubers
41:27 A's baseball stadium
45:34 Math classes for gambling
46:13 Craps: Hopping 7s vs Any 7
47:01 Match52
51:53 Dealers who gamble
53:30 Craps: A comp advantage
56:24 A double up strategy
58:43 AP: Slots vs table games
Next LiveStream: 07/13/2023
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Gunlock State Park (official site)
Last edited by: Gialmere on Jun 17, 2023
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
July 15th, 2023 at 12:31:28 PM
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Episode #96
Stream Date: 07-13-2023
Length: 01:02:10
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Wizard's travel plans & health
05:30 Heather's health
06:45 LDS trivia (throughout show)
08:00 Union & casino relations
10:57 Eclipse lodgings
15:01 PGP: Banking
17:13 Short sessions & variance
18:48 Slots: Skill base games
21:04 Slots: Revenue reports
24:31 Pre-shuffled cards
29:00 Tesla Tunnel LVCC Loop
31:43 Flying to New Zealand
34:51 Shuffle trackers
38:16 Roulette: Hedging
40:59 Slots: RTP
42:01 Pocketing chips
44:13 Slots: Bonus rounds
45:32 MSG Sphere
48:43 Spanish 21 in Vegas
51:36 UTH: Flashing cards
53:42 UTH: 4 kings & an ace
55:25 Craps: Is bubble craps rigged?
55:50 Bj: Are side bets for suckers?
58:05 Cruise ship casino regulation
Next LiveStream: 08/10/2023
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MSG Sphere Discussion at WoV
Stream Date: 07-13-2023
Length: 01:02:10
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Wizard's travel plans & health
05:30 Heather's health
06:45 LDS trivia (throughout show)
08:00 Union & casino relations
10:57 Eclipse lodgings
15:01 PGP: Banking
17:13 Short sessions & variance
18:48 Slots: Skill base games
21:04 Slots: Revenue reports
24:31 Pre-shuffled cards
29:00 Tesla Tunnel LVCC Loop
31:43 Flying to New Zealand
34:51 Shuffle trackers
38:16 Roulette: Hedging
40:59 Slots: RTP
42:01 Pocketing chips
44:13 Slots: Bonus rounds
45:32 MSG Sphere
48:43 Spanish 21 in Vegas
51:36 UTH: Flashing cards
53:42 UTH: 4 kings & an ace
55:25 Craps: Is bubble craps rigged?
55:50 Bj: Are side bets for suckers?
58:05 Cruise ship casino regulation
Next LiveStream: 08/10/2023
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MSG Sphere Discussion at WoV
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
July 15th, 2023 at 12:46:14 PM
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Questions:
Are discretionary comps a thing of the past? I was playing at a table game for $25 for 4 hours. I asked about a comp the buffet (face value: about $30). The pit boss said “oh, you have enough comp dollars to cover it.” When I started gambling about 20 years ago, it was common to get a voucher after playing for much less time.
Why do shoes max out at 8 decks? Wouldn’t it be better for a casino to have 10, 12, 24 deck shoes? I’m guessing automatic shufflers can only handle 8 decks but any hand shuffled game can do more. Is it just that the company that makes shoes won’t make any larger than 8 decks?
Are discretionary comps a thing of the past? I was playing at a table game for $25 for 4 hours. I asked about a comp the buffet (face value: about $30). The pit boss said “oh, you have enough comp dollars to cover it.” When I started gambling about 20 years ago, it was common to get a voucher after playing for much less time.
Why do shoes max out at 8 decks? Wouldn’t it be better for a casino to have 10, 12, 24 deck shoes? I’m guessing automatic shufflers can only handle 8 decks but any hand shuffled game can do more. Is it just that the company that makes shoes won’t make any larger than 8 decks?
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
August 10th, 2023 at 1:42:52 PM
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Live stream reminder today at 3:00 Vegas time. I'll answer the questions above at that time.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
August 13th, 2023 at 12:54:55 PM
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Episode #97
Stream Date: 08-10-2023
Length: 01:05:17
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 The Wizard's travels
03:40 A rant & a plug
06:04 Travel trivia (throughout show)
06:53 Blackjack: deck penetration
07:40 National Lazy Day
11:46 Blackjack vs Free Bet Blackjack
12:59 Why face up Pai Gow Poker?
15:08 Are discretionary comps gone?
17:14 Blackjack: The number of decks
19:45 Blackjack: 16 vs 10
21:07 Sports: Promotions
23:32 Casino cheating
28:08 PGP: A six card straight
30:05 UTH: Dealer errors
33:12 Wizard eye glasses
34:30 Moving to Las Vegas
37:41 Sports: Best sports to bet on
40:20 Postcards & stamps
41:41 The Wizard in Oz
42:21 Casino power outage
43:15 Formula 1 in Vegas
44:41 VP: Games in different states
48:49 Making money at gambling
52:24 The envy bonus
53:11 Online: Beating blackjack
54:17 Crapless Craps
57:38 New Star Trek
59:30 Switching casino seats
Next LiveStream: 09/07/2023
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Stream Date: 08-10-2023
Length: 01:05:17
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 The Wizard's travels
03:40 A rant & a plug
06:04 Travel trivia (throughout show)
06:53 Blackjack: deck penetration
07:40 National Lazy Day
11:46 Blackjack vs Free Bet Blackjack
12:59 Why face up Pai Gow Poker?
15:08 Are discretionary comps gone?
17:14 Blackjack: The number of decks
19:45 Blackjack: 16 vs 10
21:07 Sports: Promotions
23:32 Casino cheating
28:08 PGP: A six card straight
30:05 UTH: Dealer errors
33:12 Wizard eye glasses
34:30 Moving to Las Vegas
37:41 Sports: Best sports to bet on
40:20 Postcards & stamps
41:41 The Wizard in Oz
42:21 Casino power outage
43:15 Formula 1 in Vegas
44:41 VP: Games in different states
48:49 Making money at gambling
52:24 The envy bonus
53:11 Online: Beating blackjack
54:17 Crapless Craps
57:38 New Star Trek
59:30 Switching casino seats
Next LiveStream: 09/07/2023
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Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
August 14th, 2023 at 9:37:53 AM
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@Wizard, on the latest stream you say "I think it's a little dishonest to not call out a dealer when it cuts your way" in the context of dealer errors in UTH.
What is your though on the idea that "calling out dealer errors can get the dealer in trouble; we don't want to get the dealer in trouble" as a reason not to do it?
I personally don't play enough table games to experience this in any meaningful amount, so it's purely theoretical for me, but I do feel there is some weight to this argument.
What is your though on the idea that "calling out dealer errors can get the dealer in trouble; we don't want to get the dealer in trouble" as a reason not to do it?
I personally don't play enough table games to experience this in any meaningful amount, so it's purely theoretical for me, but I do feel there is some weight to this argument.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:29:12 PM
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Quote: Mukke@Wizard, on the latest stream you say "I think it's a little dishonest to not call out a dealer when it cuts your way" in the context of dealer errors in UTH.
What is your though on the idea that "calling out dealer errors can get the dealer in trouble; we don't want to get the dealer in trouble" as a reason not to do it?
I personally don't play enough table games to experience this in any meaningful amount, so it's purely theoretical for me, but I do feel there is some weight to this argument.
link to original post
Good question. I'll answer this on the next show. However, I think that is just an excuse to justify taking the casino's money. Furthermore, dealer errors happen all the time. It isn't like a good dealer would get fired over one mis-pay. Only if it was a habitual thing but it be a problem, but Heather could probably speak to that better than me.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
August 15th, 2023 at 4:48:24 PM
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We are getting close to Live Stream #100. The next one will be #98. I'd like for #100 to be a good Barbara Walters kind of show. Feel free to submit your deep probing questions to me for the occasion.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
September 6th, 2023 at 3:28:06 PM
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In light of The Wiz's interesting week, is the livestream for 9-7 still on?
September 6th, 2023 at 3:33:32 PM
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Quote: WizardWe are getting close to Live Stream #100. The next one will be #98. I'd like for #100 to be a good Barbara Walters kind of show. Feel free to submit your deep probing questions to me for the occasion.
link to original post
Deep probing questions:
I get the sense that Mike is generally a libertarian in many ways. But overall, do you think legal gambling is a net plus for society or a net negative?
Does Mike hope that his children follow in his footsteps or not?
What specific decision in his life does Mike wish he could go back and change? Or would do differently?
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
September 7th, 2023 at 10:53:24 AM
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Quote: GenoDRPhIn light of The Wiz's interesting week, is the livestream for 9-7 still on?
link to original post
Yes, it is on for 3:00 today! I shall welcome questions about Burning Man.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
September 7th, 2023 at 2:55:14 PM
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I believe the link for the stream is https://www.youtube.com/live/pzxbdpgke_0
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 9th, 2023 at 12:24:32 AM
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Episode #98
Stream Date: 09-07-2023
Length: 01:06:34
Topic: Ask Me Anything (Burning Man Edition)
Subjects
00:01 Overview: Burning Man 2023
01:35 Favorite beer types
03:10 Slots: Cashman Bingo
04:29 Billy Walters
06:15 Burning Man trivia (throughout show)
07:13 PGP: Splitting 3 pairs
08:45 Mikki Mase
11:34 "Gambling 102" delays
13:34 Slots: Suggested changes
15:25 Hedgehog standard deviation
17:12 Gambling book publishers
17:57 Craps: Marching Soldier system
19:37 Casino float
20:49 VP: Is 9/6 JoB still available?
22:05 The house edge sweet spot
24:41 Sports: Best Vegas sportsbooks
25:10 TV: Card Sharks
25:36 UTH: 3 quads in 100 hands
28:30 Is bubble craps random or RNG?
28:39 Craps: Point followed by 7 odds
29:10 Wizard at Burning Man 2023 (pix)
53:18 Any Burning Man regrets?
54:20 Leave no trace
56:33 Chris Rock & cannibals
1:00:07 Weight loss
1:00:45 Return to civilization
1:01:39 The burning of the man
1:02:45 Wizard magic
Next LiveStream: 10/19/2023
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Marching Soldier craps system analysis at WoV
Stream Date: 09-07-2023
Length: 01:06:34
Topic: Ask Me Anything (Burning Man Edition)
Subjects
00:01 Overview: Burning Man 2023
01:35 Favorite beer types
03:10 Slots: Cashman Bingo
04:29 Billy Walters
06:15 Burning Man trivia (throughout show)
07:13 PGP: Splitting 3 pairs
08:45 Mikki Mase
11:34 "Gambling 102" delays
13:34 Slots: Suggested changes
15:25 Hedgehog standard deviation
17:12 Gambling book publishers
17:57 Craps: Marching Soldier system
19:37 Casino float
20:49 VP: Is 9/6 JoB still available?
22:05 The house edge sweet spot
24:41 Sports: Best Vegas sportsbooks
25:10 TV: Card Sharks
25:36 UTH: 3 quads in 100 hands
28:30 Is bubble craps random or RNG?
28:39 Craps: Point followed by 7 odds
29:10 Wizard at Burning Man 2023 (pix)
53:18 Any Burning Man regrets?
54:20 Leave no trace
56:33 Chris Rock & cannibals
1:00:07 Weight loss
1:00:45 Return to civilization
1:01:39 The burning of the man
1:02:45 Wizard magic
Next LiveStream: 10/19/2023
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Pai Gow Poker tutorial video featuring the Wizard, Angela Wyman and Dan Lubin. Pai Gow Dan explains the 3 pair exception at the 5:14 mark.
Marching Soldier craps system analysis at WoV
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
October 16th, 2023 at 10:42:00 AM
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The next Live Stream has been postponed until October 26. I apologize for any inconvenience.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
November 2nd, 2023 at 6:30:48 PM
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Episode #99
Stream Date: 10-26-2023
Length: 01:05:33
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Pictures from Europe
19:30 Tournament formula
24:17 AP roaming
26:40 Three's Company trivia (throughout show)
26:58 Betting systems
29:12 Horse racing
32:29 UTH: The blind bet
34:08 Bet tipping the dealer
38:07 Blackjack: Promotion play
39:20 Blackjack: Card counting advice
42:21 Blackjack: The WoV Trainer
43:59 Book: "Gambling 102 – 3rd Edition"
45:59 Blackjack: Two spots vs three spots
46:33 Magic: Penn & Teller & Wizard
52:55 No. You're playing wrong
56:45 Electric vs live table games
58:05 Slots: Hard resets (shhhh)
58:51 Betting ratios
59:31 Disney & gambling
1:02:54 Growing old
Next LiveStream: 11/30/2023
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Wizard's Blackjack Card Counting Trainer
"Gambling 102 – 3rd Edition" info at "Las Vegas Advisor"
Stream Date: 10-26-2023
Length: 01:05:33
Topic: Ask Me Anything
Subjects
00:01 Pictures from Europe
19:30 Tournament formula
24:17 AP roaming
26:40 Three's Company trivia (throughout show)
26:58 Betting systems
29:12 Horse racing
32:29 UTH: The blind bet
34:08 Bet tipping the dealer
38:07 Blackjack: Promotion play
39:20 Blackjack: Card counting advice
42:21 Blackjack: The WoV Trainer
43:59 Book: "Gambling 102 – 3rd Edition"
45:59 Blackjack: Two spots vs three spots
46:33 Magic: Penn & Teller & Wizard
52:55 No. You're playing wrong
56:45 Electric vs live table games
58:05 Slots: Hard resets (shhhh)
58:51 Betting ratios
59:31 Disney & gambling
1:02:54 Growing old
Next LiveStream: 11/30/2023
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Wizard's Blackjack Card Counting Trainer
"Gambling 102 – 3rd Edition" info at "Las Vegas Advisor"
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
November 14th, 2023 at 10:50:14 PM
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Quote: TinManQuote: WizardWe are getting close to Live Stream #100. The next one will be #98. I'd like for #100 to be a good Barbara Walters kind of show. Feel free to submit your deep probing questions to me for the occasion.
link to original post
Deep probing questions:
I get the sense that Mike is generally a libertarian in many ways. But overall, do you think legal gambling is a net plus for society or a net negative?
Does Mike hope that his children follow in his footsteps or not?
What specific decision in his life does Mike wish he could go back and change? Or would do differently?
link to original post
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone trying to create a monetized website?
What advice would you give someone thinking of adding a forum section to their website?
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Here are some actual Barbara Walters-isms...
Describe yourself.
Does she hit you?
If you could be any type of tree, what would it be?
What would it take to get you to run for elected office?
Do you have a philosophy by which you live?'
Have you ever ordered anyone killed?
Do you think men should be the dominant figure in a relationship still?
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
November 15th, 2023 at 9:16:33 AM
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Thanks G for the great questions! I welcome others.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
November 15th, 2023 at 9:43:37 AM
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So apparently the reason Barbara was able to get such poignant clips of celebs and regular people opening up in unusual ways is that she would ask two super soft ball questions in a row, then follow up with a hard hitting out of left field powerful question, and people would be in that happier mood and get caught off guard. Then in the editing room they got rid of the softball questions. Kind of cheesy/underhanded but it also worked well for tv in that era.
Questions: If some Macau or Monte Carlo casino execs wanted you to live and work at their casino full time, would you pull up your roots in LV and go?
How badly do you think MGM botched the response to the latest hack and does it shake your confidence in them as a customer?
If you didn't become a mathematician, what profession do you think you would have gotten into? Lets exclude the sciences, since that's a gimme. ;)
What do you regret in life the most, professionally / personally?
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
If you had to play only one specific casino game for the rest of your life, what would it be? What casino games in general bring you the most pleasure?
What's the best piece of advice for a gambler to hear?
Questions: If some Macau or Monte Carlo casino execs wanted you to live and work at their casino full time, would you pull up your roots in LV and go?
How badly do you think MGM botched the response to the latest hack and does it shake your confidence in them as a customer?
If you didn't become a mathematician, what profession do you think you would have gotten into? Lets exclude the sciences, since that's a gimme. ;)
What do you regret in life the most, professionally / personally?
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
If you had to play only one specific casino game for the rest of your life, what would it be? What casino games in general bring you the most pleasure?
What's the best piece of advice for a gambler to hear?
November 16th, 2023 at 1:43:30 PM
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Happy birthday to Heather!
I'm disappointed that I missed the last livestream — I knew most of the Three's Company trivia! Though I didn't grow up in SoCal, for some reason I've always known the show is set in Santa Monica.
Here's a question for your 100th livestream:
What anecdotal differences have you noticed in people who are in scientific fields (math, engineering, etc) compared to those who aren't?
Working in the tech business but not a STEM person, I have observed that engineers often approach an issue very differently than non-engineers — usually in ways not expected, though not necessarily better or worse.
I'm disappointed that I missed the last livestream — I knew most of the Three's Company trivia! Though I didn't grow up in SoCal, for some reason I've always known the show is set in Santa Monica.
Here's a question for your 100th livestream:
What anecdotal differences have you noticed in people who are in scientific fields (math, engineering, etc) compared to those who aren't?
Working in the tech business but not a STEM person, I have observed that engineers often approach an issue very differently than non-engineers — usually in ways not expected, though not necessarily better or worse.
November 21st, 2023 at 12:47:26 PM
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Good questions for the 100th Live Stream! Feel free to add more.
Reminder that Live Stream #100 will be on Nov 30 at 3:00 Vegas time.
Reminder that Live Stream #100 will be on Nov 30 at 3:00 Vegas time.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
November 21st, 2023 at 12:54:08 PM
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Quote: ChallengedMillySo apparently the reason Barbara was able to get such poignant clips of celebs and regular people opening up in unusual ways is that she would ask two super soft ball questions in a row, then follow up with a hard hitting out of left field powerful question, and people would be in that happier mood and get caught off guard. Then in the editing room they got rid of the softball questions. Kind of cheesy/underhanded but it also worked well for tv in that era.
link to original post
Interesting. I did not know that.
Another of my favorite interviewers is Howard Stern. He does his homework first and seems to have a way of getting good stories out of his subjects. It's probably easier on radio where there isn't a camera and not as much of a time constraint.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” -- Carl Sagan
November 21st, 2023 at 10:46:49 PM
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Hi Mike,
I won't be able to make the livestream due to work, but certainly will welcome a replay.
Here are some questions in case they haven't been covered in the past.
1.) If you could only make one last bet before you die, what would it be and why?
2.) Have you ever created and marketed/sold your own casino game variant? If so, what was it?
3.) What aspect of gambling/wagering do you find most exciting/appealing? Ie, simply winning, doing the math, discovering mispricing etc.
4.) As an avid health enthusiast, do you ever give yourself cheat days? What food would it take to put you over? Maybe vanilla ice cream over that banana pancake?
5.) Tell us about your Barcelona trip and bucket list destinations.
6.) Favorite casino on and off the strip by category [gambling slots, tables or in general, accommodations etc.] and why? [this has probably been covered on episodes 1-10 by now]
7.) Heroes and the people you look up to. [Probably covered on episodes 10-20 by now...]
8.) If you ever had to move out of Nevada, where would you choose to settle?
9.) And the winning numbers for tonight's lotto is......
10.) Tell us about your female gambling groupies.
I won't be able to make the livestream due to work, but certainly will welcome a replay.
Here are some questions in case they haven't been covered in the past.
1.) If you could only make one last bet before you die, what would it be and why?
2.) Have you ever created and marketed/sold your own casino game variant? If so, what was it?
3.) What aspect of gambling/wagering do you find most exciting/appealing? Ie, simply winning, doing the math, discovering mispricing etc.
4.) As an avid health enthusiast, do you ever give yourself cheat days? What food would it take to put you over? Maybe vanilla ice cream over that banana pancake?
5.) Tell us about your Barcelona trip and bucket list destinations.
6.) Favorite casino on and off the strip by category [gambling slots, tables or in general, accommodations etc.] and why? [this has probably been covered on episodes 1-10 by now]
7.) Heroes and the people you look up to. [Probably covered on episodes 10-20 by now...]
8.) If you ever had to move out of Nevada, where would you choose to settle?
9.) And the winning numbers for tonight's lotto is......
10.) Tell us about your female gambling groupies.
