Slot machines are the source of most of a casino's revenue. But the math says otherwise, according to a recent paper in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. There's a corresponding long-held belief among casino operators that experienced players can actually sense shifts in how much and how often a particular machine pays out-that is, they can detect subtle differences in the house edge between machines. Some gamblers think they can get around this by jumping from slot machine to slot machine, for instance, in hopes of hitting one at just the right time to win a big payout. That's because casinos maintain a small house 'edge'-not enough to scare gamblers away, but sufficient to ensure that the house ultimately comes out ahead. It's a well-worn mantra that when it comes to casinos, the house always wins, at least in the long term. Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images reader comments 167 with
