Gaming Outcomes....

I was just inspired by the "overdone" theme involving the Gambler's Fallacy and a question has come to mind. Over time, how many of you have TRULY been successful at casino gaming? One may wish to go month by month, year by year or even the course of a lifetime.

As for me, I'm a numbers freak - I love the mathematics involved in gaming as well as running statistical analysis on the games I have played. I have been tracking my play since the summer of 2006. Whether it be luck, good money management skills, choosing the right games to play, MORE LUCK or what-have-you, I have had continuous success against the house. My wife plays slots exclusively and, as expected, regularly makes deposits to the casino but overall, I have been able to cover her play and then some for the past 5 years.

So back to the question at hand - how many of you have REALLY had sustainable success against the odds over time?

Quote: 13Doc13

I have been tracking my play since the summer of 2006. Whether it be luck, good money management skills, choosing the right games to play, MORE LUCK or what-have-you, I have had continuous success against the house.

That takes a lot of discipline. I think a lot of people try to keep track, but they get bored or angry at the results. Do you keep track by game? Do you have a lucky game? Or do you have one good session per year that balances out a lot of mediocre or poor ones?

Quote: pacomartin

That takes a lot of discipline. I think a lot of people try to keep track, but they get bored or angry at the results.

Yeah, its hard enough to do sober. And if a spouse or significant other is a less reliable book keeper, the numbers get skewed anyway.

I used to count every cent I had on me when I arrived and every cent I had on me when I left. Didn't work out too well but it was undeniable that it had to have gone somewhere.

I was up about 3k from 2008-2010, but 2011 was kind of dark in terms of gambling and I am no longer ahead...

Quote: 13Doc13

I have been able to cover her play and then some for the past 5 years.

Playing what?

Quote: pacomartin

That takes a lot of discipline. I think a lot of people try to keep track, but they get bored or angry at the results. Do you keep track by game? Do you have a lucky game? Or do you have one good session per year that balances out a lot of mediocre or poor ones?

Yes I do keep track of specific table games and poker room play as well as VP. My "lucky games" are PaiGow Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em - I have a knack of living with aces in both games! I do not track slot play on specific games, aside from my "guilty pleasure" game. And finally, my winnings are usually (relatively) small and consistant - winning a little over 60% of the time the past 5 years. What I'm most proud of (aside from covering my wife's overall play) is having the ability to get up and walk away when things are not going well ... thanks for the questions.

Quote: EvenBob

Playing what?

Mainly PaiGow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, video poker and the poker room (when time allows). The past few years, I am on the machines more than the tables. Without a doubt, it was much easier to cover my wife's play when I was playing tables.

Quote: FleaStiff

Yeah, its hard enough to do sober. And if a spouse or significant other is a less reliable book keeper, the numbers get skewed anyway.

I used to count every cent I had on me when I arrived and every cent I had on me when I left. Didn't work out too well but it was undeniable that it had to have gone somewhere.

I don't have much trouble keeping track of the numbers - my betting (and tipping) doesn't vary much, I have a set starting amount for each game so all that needs to be done is to see how much I have at the end of my play. My wife has a set amount given to her at the beginning of each session and our play time is set by how long her money lasts. Again with her playing slots exclusively, she routinely gives back her total bankroll. In the event I'm doing VERY well (and still wish to continue playing), she may get more to play with.

I have kept track of casino gambling since about 2005. Prior to 2005 casino action was nil for me. I was up a few hundred at one point but I've lost about $200 on average per year, 2010 being the worst year. I am quite happy about my gambling cost [the travel cost has been much more than the gambling losses], but I expect the loss per year to climb up, the amount of my action has gone up. My gambling is always negative expectation outside of what coupons I might run into.

Quote: odiousgambit

I have kept track of casino gambling since about 2005. Prior to 2005 casino action was nil for me. I was up a few hundred at one point but I've lost about $200 on average per year, 2010 being the worst year. I am quite happy about my gambling cost [the travel cost has been much more than the gambling losses], but I expect the loss per year to climb up, the amount of my action has gone up. My gambling is always negative expectation outside of what coupons I might run into.

Sounds like you treat the gaming experience as entertainment as well! People spend more than this going to the movies on a regular basis.

I'm glad to see others keep track on their play ... good luck on your future travels!

Quote: odiousgambit

I have kept track of casino gambling since about 2005. Prior to 2005 casino action was nil for me. I was up a few hundred at one point but I've lost about $200 on average per year, 2010 being the worst year. I am quite happy about my gambling cost [the travel cost has been much more than the gambling losses], but I expect the loss per year to climb up, the amount of my action has gone up. My gambling is always negative expectation outside of what coupons I might run into.

Sounds like you treat the gaming experience as entertainment as well! People spend more than this going to the movies on a regular basis.

I'm glad to see others keep track on their play ... good luck on your future travels!

I have always kept meticulous records of my blackjack play. I record the casino, the date, time, hours played, table conditions, base bet, betting spread, penetration, wonging and wins and losses. I also have a column for tips but after reading in this forum and others what some dealers think of their players that column remains empty.

I keep a planner in the car and it only takes a few minutes to jot down the results before leaving the casino. I total it monthly and at the end of the year. I don't do much with all this information except for comparing yearly wins. I just enjoy doing it and it certainly eliminates any selective memory.