# Gambling probability problem

#### zstudds

##### New Member
A slot machine works on inserting a $1 coin. If the player wins, the coin is returned with an additional$1 coin, otherwise the original coin is
lost. The probability of winning is 1/2 unless the previous play has resulted
in a win, in which case the probability is p < 1/2. If the cost of maintaining
the machine averages \$c per play (with c < 1/3), give conditions on the value
of p that the owner of the machine must arrange in order to make a prot in
the long run.

#### vinux

##### Dark Knight
What have you done on this problem? If it looks difficult, start with when c=0.

#### Ace864

##### New Member
Do you think that it is possible to calculate probabilities of gambling games? Of course, there are some theories and even tasks regarding calculating the dice or other gambling probabilities. But, in my opinion, it is pointless to try to figure out the chances of winning in gambling games. In real life, most of the theories do not work, and you lose despite all predictions. That’s why I prefer betting on soccer games rather than playing cards or gamble in casinos. When you bet on soccer games, you are more likely to win something if you know something about the teams you are betting on.

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#### hlsmith

##### Less is more. Stay pure. Stay poor.
If the inputs are known, yup. Six sides to a fair die, number of cards in a deck or slots on a Roulette wheel, etc.