Comparison mathematician: slot vs roulette vs poker
Introduction
Each game of chance is based on its own mathematical model, which determines a player's winning probability, variance, and potential outcome. Slots, roulette and poker are three pronounced directions in online casinos, and each game has a unique mechanic. To consciously choose a format, it is important to understand how mathematics works: what forms the advantage of a casino, where there is a place for strategy, and where everything depends entirely on chance.
1. Slot math
Main parameters:
- RTP (Return to Player). The average return of a slot to a player as a percentage of all bets (usually 94-97%).
- Volatility. Frequency and size of winnings: low - frequent but small payouts; high - rare, but large.
- RNG (random number generator). Completely determines the result of each spin, excluding player influence.
- Mathematical model. The symbol combinations on the reels are calculated through the drop probabilities.
Features:
- A slot is a completely random game where the player cannot influence the result.
- Math impact: 100% advantage at casinos, offset by high levels of entertainment and jackpot opportunity.
- The player can only choose a slot with convenient volatility and RTP.
2. Roulette math
Main parameters:
- Wheel and probability. European roulette has 37 numbers (1-36 + 0), the probability of getting one number = 1/37 ≈ 2.7%. House Edge. The advantage of the casino is fixed:
- European roulette - 2.7%;
- American roulette (with two zeros) - 5.26%;
- French roulette with the * La Partage rule reduces the advantage to 1.35%.
- Stakes. The ability to put on different groups of numbers (even/odd, red/black, dozen, etc.), which changes the variance, but not the long-term mathematical result.
- Roulette is a pure probability game, where the result depends on the ball falling out.
- The player cannot affect the mathematical result, but the choice of roulette type affects the long-term retention rate.
- Unlike a slot, all probabilities are open and easy to calculate.
- Combinations probabilities. The chance to collect, for example, flash ≈ 0.197%, street ≈ 0.39%, square ≈ 0.024%.
- Variance. The result depends on the cards, but the strategy wins at a distance.
- Rake. A casino (or poker room) earns not due to an advantage over a player, but due to a commission from a bank (usually 2-5%).
- Skill element. Unlike slot and roulette, poker is a game with incomplete information, where strategy and psychology minimize the influence of chance.
- In poker, mathematics works not only through card probabilities, but also through probability theory + game theory.
- The advantage of the casino is minimal, the main rivalry is between the players.
- With a competent strategy, the mathematical advantage may be on the side of the player, not the casino.
Features:
3. Poker math
Main parameters:
Features:
4. Comparison table
| Parameter | Slot | Roulette | Poker |
|---|---|---|---|
| The role of chance | 100% | 100% | ~ 50% (the rest is strategy) |
| Player Influence | None | None | High |
| RTP | 94-97% | 97.3% (European) | Depends on players |
| Volatility | Low/High | Medium | High (in short-term play) |
| Casino Advantage | Built into RTP | House Edge 1.35-5.26% | Rake Only |
| Strategy Option | None | Limited | Maximum |
5. Conclusions for players
Slots are entertainment where the player has no control over the outcome. The selection is only in the risk level and RTP.
Roulette is transparent mathematics, where all probabilities are known, but winning is always in favor of the casino at a distance.
Poker is a game where strategy, the ability to analyze opponents and manage a bankroll play a decisive role.
Conclusion
A comparison of mathematicians shows that in slots and roulette, the player completely depends on the randomness and mathematics of the casino, while in poker it is the skill and strategy that allow you to turn the mathematics to your advantage. For lovers of excitement and quick results, slots and roulette are more suitable, and for those who are ready to learn and develop skills - poker remains the only game where you can really get a mathematical advantage over rivals.
