HSP 135-01
Albion College
Fall 02025

Discussion questions for BGMNBN, Ch. 3
DLs: Vanessa & Ken


1. Why do you think people play games like keno, where they have such a large disadvantage compared to other casino games?

2. Why do you think baccarat is generally a very high money game?

3. Do you think it is more advantageous to a gambler to play video poker or live poker? Or is there no difference?

4. Discuss the ethical implications of using mathematical advantages in gambling. Should casinos be required to clearly display house edge information?

5. Why do many gamblers struggle with understanding that past results don't influence future outcomes in games like slot machines?

6. Slot machines often use designs where you almost win (e.g., two jackpot symbols and the third just above the line). Mathematically, a near miss has no special significance.  Why do people assign meaning to them? How could combinatorics show that �almost winning� is no different from �totally losing�?