Basic Gambling Mathematics: The Numbers Behind the Neon, Second Edition explains the mathematics involved in analyzing games of chance, including casino games, horse racing and other sports, and lotteries. The book helps readers understand the mathematical reasons why some gambling games are better for the player than others. It is also suitable as a textbook for an introductory course on probability.
Along with discussing the mathematics of well-known casino games, the author examines game variations that have been proposed or used in actual casinos. Numerous examples illustrate the mathematical ideas in a range of casino games while end-of-chapter exercises go beyond routine calculations to give readers hands-on experience with casino-related computations.
New to the Second Edition
• Thorough revision of content throughout, including new sections on the birthday problem (for informal gamblers) and the Monty Hall problem, as well as an abundance of fresh material on sports gambling
• Brand new exercises and problems
• A more accessible level of mathematical complexity, to appeal to a wider audience.
Author(s): Mark Bollman
Series: AK Peters/CRC Recreational Mathematics Series
Edition: 2
Publisher: A K Peters/CRC Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Commentary: Publisher's PDF
Pages: 310
City: Boca Raton, FL
Tags: Games; Mathematics; Probability Theory; Combinatorics
Cover
Half Title
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
Preface
1. Fundamental Ideas
1.1. Historical Background
1.2. Mathematical Background
1.3. Definitions
1.4. Axioms of Probability
1.5. Elementary Counting Arguments
1.6. Exercises
2. Combinatorics and Probability
2.1. Advanced Counting Arguments
2.2. Odds
2.3. Addition Rules
2.4. Multiplication Rules and Conditional Probability
2.5. Exercises
3. Probability Distributions and Expectation
3.1. Random Variables
3.2. Expected Value and House Advantage
3.3. Binomial Distribution
3.4. Exercises
4. Modified Casino Games
4.1. Wheel Games
4.2. Dice Games
4.3. Card Games
4.4. Casino Promotions
4.5. Exercises
5. Blackjack: The Mathematical Exception
5.1. Rules of Blackjack
5.2. Mathematics of Blackjack
5.3. Basic Strategy
5.4. Introduction to Card Counting
5.5. Additional Topics in Card Counting
5.6. Exercises
6. Betting Strategies: Why They Don’t Work
6.1. Roulette Strategies
6.2. Craps Strategies
6.3. Slot Machine Strategies
6.4. And One That Does: Lottery Strategies
6.5. How to Double Your Money
6.6. Exercises
Appendix A: House Advantages
Answers to Selected Exercises
Bibliography
Index
