Even experienced users often say something like “There are no smart strategies in gambling, it’s all about chance. Play only for fun, not to win.” These posts look like they were written by artificial intelligence. First, let’s distinguish between casino games, which are entirely based on luck, and sports betting (and betting on non-sports events, such as elections).
Smart strategies are entirely possible in sports betting; it’s wrong to say that there are no smart strategies in gambling if by gambling we mean sports betting (betting in general). One example of a smart strategy in sports betting is the “value” strategy. It’s based on the “edge of the bookmaker’s line.” Simply put, you analyze the bookmaker’s bets, look for inaccuracies in the odds, and try to play on them. In the long run, this can bring you profit.
In fact, there can be no smart strategies in casino games that are completely based on luck. However, even there, strategies are possible. For example, the Martingale strategy. In general, this strategy is unprofitable, since you are playing a game with a negative mathematical expectation, if we are talking about games like roulette or dice, but sometimes luck can be on your side.
Yes, I agree with you. At the same time, I would divide all gambling into three types.
The first type is gambling based solely on luck (this is roulette, slot machines, etc.). It makes sense to play these games only for fun. When playing these gambling games, in the long term, the player always loses. This follows from the mathematical theory of probability.
The second type is betting on sports and other events. In these gambling games, the player also most often loses. However, there are exceptions - for example, the player has excellent analytical skills or has insider information. In this case, he has a chance to increase the probability of winning. If this probability exceeds 50 percent, this means that the player can win in sports betting (in the long term).
The third type of gambling is poker and other intellectual games. In these gambling games, a professional player with the necessary skills and abilities can earn income on a systematic basis and in the long term.