Vegas 2066

The Future of Gambling

As Julian Carter started to drift into sleep, he experienced the sensation of being gently pulled backward despite his body's urge to move forward. Gradually, he became aware of his surroundings, glancing out the driver's window onto U.S. Route 95 and noting the vehicles speeding past him, their onboard systems likely puzzled by his sudden standstill at nearly 300 kilometers per hour.

Julian hadn’t exactly been eager about this journey; in fact, he typically preferred the comfort of his apartment. As a systems designer creating software for a music producer, he specialized in crafting algorithms to identify and generate the most popular music, requiring him to rarely step outside. He often dismissed listener preferences as uneducated opinions that had little understanding of what made music enjoyable.

Furthermore, Julian considered that possessing the latest technology transformed his apartment into more than just a living space. He could easily fit in a complete workout, arrange grocery deliveries for dinner, and attend a front-row spot at a virtual concert, all within the span of an hour. The advancements in virtual reality and enhanced delivery services had blurred the lines of reality, with fewer gaps in the experience, making it richer and more immersive. Unbeknownst to him, these modern experiences weren't truly becoming 'more real', but merely more convincing, as society had lost touch with genuine experiences.

Fully awakening from his brief slumber, which felt lengthy despite lasting less than a minute and not induced by any artificial means, Julian asked, 'What made us stop?'

The android seated beside him, a sophisticated BHL-42 Model, turned his head and informed him, 'As you should know, federal safety regulations, in accordance with Chevrolet's guidelines, mandate that at least one human occupant who meets the minimum age and has passed the motor vehicle operation competency test must be fully awake for the journey. Since you are the only occupant fitting these criteria and indeed the sole human, your alertness is necessary.'

Julian gazed out at the expansive desert surrounding them and noted the lack of advertisements or anything else that might grab attention along this stretch of road. Sleepily, he questioned the BHL-42, 'Why must I remain awake during this drive? When was the last accident along this route?'

The unit, which Julian had named Bryan, answered, 'As previously mentioned, adherence to federal safety regulations and manufacturer requirements is necessary. In case of a momentary system failure, a human must be ready to take over control of the vehicle at any moment. System failures can arise from issues with the satellites providing navigation and road condition data, as well as electrical malfunctions...'

Julian cut Bryan off, 'That's enough. I'm fully aware of the requirements and potential conditions for system failure. I could code a better system than this one if I chose to. Now, please answer my second question: When was the last accident on this road?'

Bryan quickly replied, 'The last recorded accident within a fifty-kilometer radius of our current location took place on January 17, 2056. However, there have been several system failures on this road since then, with one occurring on March 12, 2063, which required human intervention...'

"More than ten years ago!!??\"

'So, the most recent accident was just over a decade ago, but let's not forget that only three years ago, there was a system failure that needed human oversight...'

'That was almost three years ago!' Julian exclaimed, 'This is absurd; what are the odds of a system failure with this specific vehicle between here and Las Vegas?'

Bryan processed the query for less than half a second before responding, 'Keep in mind, Julian, this is merely a ballpark estimate, but my calculations suggest that, given the remaining distance, the chance of a system failure is approximately one in 176,345,919.'

'So,' Julian summarized, 'The likelihood of that happening is practically nonexistent.'

'Stranger things have occurred, as the saying goes,' Bryan replied.

Julian pressed a few buttons and soon received a glass of an energy drink from the integrated soda fountain located in the back seat. 'Fine,' he conceded, 'I'll stay alert for the rest of the trip, ready to take control of the vehicle, even though it's highly unlikely that will ever be necessary.'

In some sense, Julian wished he could drive the vehicle himself, but given the system's reliability, that was not an option. Manual overrides had been eliminated two decades earlier when it was proven that even the best human drivers could not contend with unexpected situations as effectively as the Vehicle Operation Systems (VOS). Even if given a manual override, he would probably be lost, having only passed the competency test over fifteen years ago when he was ten, and without any requirement for re-testing unless he pursued a commercial driving license.

Julian glanced at Bryan and pondered why he opted for a male model when female versions were also available. Fully customizable, at least for those as financially secure as Julian, the manufacturer claimed that female models were indistinguishable from actual women, aside from their inability to reproduce. Their complexity was such that their exterior temperature would even adapt to environmental conditions. However, after extensive review research, Julian discovered that, despite the manufacturer’s best intentions, genuine romantic companionship was something that could not be effectively replicated or simulated.

This left Julian with Bryan, whom he had designed to resemble a slightly older, more refined version of himself. 'Bryan,' Julian queried, 'Are we there yet?'

Bryan responded, 'No, we are not there yet, but we should arrive in around twenty-seven minutes.'

Julian let out a noise that sounded like a mix of a groan and a growl, expressing, 'I have no idea why I'm even heading to Las Vegas.'

Even though artificially intelligent systems, even those with human-like appearances, struggled to grasp rhetorical questions, Bryan replied, 'Three days, four hours, and about twenty-two minutes ago, you received a call from your uncle, who you referred to as 'Frank', though I lack confirmation of that name. I have no reason to suspect you’re misidentifying him, but…'

"Bryyyyyaannnnn,\" Julian sighed.

"Yes, Julian?\"

"Shut the hell up.\"

Eventually, they arrived at a casino named 'The Golden Goose Casino,' located downtown, in the same location that previously housed 'The Las Vegas Club.' The Golden Goose was famous for boasting some of the 'Most Favorable Odds in Town,' according to their advertisements, and they also offered complimentary car charging stations to guests, a perk not available at any of the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Fortunately for Julian, Bryan could easily transport up to three hundred kilograms and was equipped with extensions just above the built-in screen to help manage tasks.

As they approached the reception desk, which surprisingly was still manned by a human, Julian stated, 'Julian Carter, I need a room for...two.'

The woman at the desk, wearing a tank top with the Golden Goose logo prominently displayed, glanced between Julian and Bryan with a slight shrug. After nearly a decade in her role, she had grown accustomed to people treating their robotic companions as though they were actual humans. At one point, she had meant to conduct an informal study to track how many individuals referred to their automatons as people, but she continuously forgot to follow through.

'Room 318,' she replied in a monotone voice, 'The nearest elevator is behind you. Please remember that no more than ten people should be in the elevator at one time, and do stand as close to the center of the platform as possible.'

She recalled an incident from about two months prior when a drunken man attempted to show off by balancing with one leg on the platform and one hanging off. Naturally, the worst-case scenario occurred when the elevator halted, causing him to fall incorrectly and land in one of the vertical shafts. Fortunately, it wasn’t a long drop, but it was enough for him to fracture his arm. Though the casino had footage of the man attempting acrobatics on the elevator, they anticipated settling the lawsuit - it was simply more cost-effective.

Julian and Bryan entered the elevator, which first ascended to the third floor before coming to a gentle halt. They were then greeted by a mechanism that directed them right in front of Room 318. After Julian placed his finger on the scanner and spoke into the voice recognition system, the door smoothly opened, and Julian stepped inside. He noticed that the space resembled the size of his apartment's living room, but it seemed to lack furniture apart from a lone desk at first glance. However, he was aware that beneath the sleek surfaces were hidden buttons that could reveal beds and sofas from the walls or the floor, depending on their configuration.

After checking out the sparse living conditions, a visibly frustrated Julian exclaimed, \"How can there be absolutely no virtual reality gear in this place? Bryan, you have no idea how much I would have packed if I had known I was coming to such a barren room! Just wait until I tell Uncle Frank about this; he assured me that all this tech would be readily available!\"

Bryan remained unfazed, suggesting, \"Julian, why not take a moment to consider heading down to the casino or perhaps just enjoy a leisurely stroll? The weather outside is a pleasant 19.4 degrees; it could be quite refreshing.\"

Julian dramatically sighed, stating, \"The only walk I have in mind,\" he racked his brain for a virtual reality experience he once cherished but came up empty-handed, \"I’m not interested in walking anywhere. What I genuinely want is the ability to do anything at the touch of a button. Please, can you bring Uncle Frank on the screen right now?\"

With a mechanical sound, Bryan's chest plate opened up, revealing a display that Julian had specifically requested, anticipating the possibility of traveling. His uncle would respond unless he was on the move and needed to focus on the road. After a brief pause, Uncle Frank appeared on the screen, surrounded by a flurry of background noise and flashing lights.

"Bryan,\" Julian commanded, \"Focus on my uncle’s voice and minimize all background disturbances to nearly nothing. Also, can you remove any colors that aren't naturally occurring and tone down those caused by lighting? Thanks.\" With the image adjusted to his liking, he greeted, \"Uncle Frank, how have you been?\"

"I'm doing just fine, Julian,\" his uncle responded. \"You've arrived a bit earlier than I anticipated. Frankly, I was unsure if you would actually show up. Currently, I’m at MGM, but I can swing by in about thirty minutes, so just hang tight for a bit.\"

"Uncle Frank,\" Julian replied, frustration evident in his tone, \"Sitting is all I can do right now since there's just Bryan for company. You promised an array of amenities for this room, featuring advanced virtual reality setups, and here I find absolutely nothing of the sort. I understand you're covering my stay—even though I could manage that myself—and I appreciate it, but this room is nothing like what you described!\"

Frank shrugged and replied, \"I know.\"

"You know!? Why did you misrepresent the room to me in the first place?\"

Uncle Frank paused thoughtfully before explaining, \"Well, my idea was to get you into the room first and then entice you to want to leave it, you get what I mean?\"

Julian laughed in annoyance, recognizing the success of his uncle's plan. \"You succeeded, Uncle Frank. Now that I'm stuck in here, I want out and back to Oregon immediately!\"

Frank shot back, a bit sternly, \"You promised to spend at least two days here, and besides, you wouldn’t know where to start if you went back to Oregon. You know what your apartment looks like, but I doubt you could even name five places on your street.\"

Julian almost argued back, but he realized his uncle had a point. In the past five years, this was the first time he had ventured beyond his state, and perhaps only ten times had he even left his apartment. With all the conveniences of modern delivery services—food, clothing, tech gadgets—there seemed to be little need to go out. The concept of 'house calls' from doctors had transformed from just common practice to a bygone expectation in less than a century and a half. In fact, Julian’s aversion to leaving his apartment was so strong that he strained to remember why he had ventured outside previously.

Meanwhile, Frank continued speaking, and Julian refocused on the conversation, \"Even when I invited you to come down to California and see me—a place loaded with top-notch tech—you made some excuse instead...\"

"Uncle Frank,\" Julian interrupted, \"I do apologize. I committed to being open and staying here for two full days, and I intend to stick to that. However, that clock now shows forty-seven hours and seventeen minutes remaining, starting from when I plugged in my vehicle. I can't say this trip started on a high note since I was misled about the accommodations. Bryan, end transmission.\"

Julian scanned the empty room and noticed a complete lack of engaging activities. \"So, Bryan, what should we do for the next thirty minutes?\"

Unable to find any program of interest, Julian begrudgingly opted to use Bryan's screen as a TV, despite not really being keen on any shows. The screen was disappointingly small, especially when compared to the massive wall-sized TV back at his apartment, which he rarely watched. He flipped through twenty different channels in ten minutes, losing interest in each one within mere seconds.

"Bryan,\" he groaned, \"Shut off the transmission and close that viewing screen, please.\"

Bryan obliged and then inquired, \"What do you plan to do next?\"

"What else is there to do?\"

"Are you really asking me to suggest something?\"

"Why not?\"

Bryan replied, \"Since we’re in a casino, why not take a look around the casino floor while waiting for your uncle? If there’s anything entertaining in this place, I’d guess it’s going to be there.\"

Julian pondered Bryan's suggestion for a full minute and, with no better ideas springing to mind, said, \"Alright, let’s head down then.\"

As they reached the casino floor, Bryan was already familiar with what to expect and had a good grasp of the games available. He had studied the information on Wnternetradiomercedes.com even though he wasn’t asked to do so in advance. He decided that the best approach was to let Julian lead the conversation, asking questions about what he saw, rather than volunteering unsolicited suggestions, as Julian often showed little interest in recommended activities but did engage more when discovering things on his own—though even then, he didn’t always follow expected behaviors.

They stepped out of the elevator and were led to one of the far corners of the casino. The establishment was designed in such a way that it might be easy for Julian to lose his way back to the elevator if he were on his own, but with Bryan as his guide, that wouldn't be an issue. Amidst the din, a loud cheer erupted from a packed set of tables nearby, prompting Julian to ask, \"What’s all that commotion?\"

Bryan guided Julian closer, explaining, \"That excitement appears to be coming from a Blackjack table, whose objective is to get as close to twenty-one as possible. It’s a bit more complex than it sounds, so I wouldn’t advise sitting down until I’ve explained the rules. I am not legally allowed to assist you once you start playing.\"

"What’s that about, Bryan?\" Julian began, looking incredulous. \"Is it a card game? Are the players touching each other’s cards? That’s disgusting!\"

"That’s not the case at all,\" Bryan clarified. \"This is a Blackjack game that utilizes simulations for cards, and you can start playing with a minimum of fifty dollars per hand. If you were interested in a game with physical cards—which it seems you’re not—be aware that the minimum bet there is typically two hundred dollars.\"

"Two hundred dollars just to share germs!?\"

"Sharing germs isn’t the main goal of the game,\" Bryan explained further. \"In fact, this particular casino offers a unique opportunity, where you get six dollars for every five dollars wagered if you're dealt an Ace alongside a ten-value card that the dealer doesn’t also have. In most casinos, you simply receive your bet back unless you're playing for a minimum of one thousand dollars per hand.\"

Having lost interest, Julian continued exploring deeper into the casino while Bryan kept up the dialogue. Soon, Julian spotted a player wearing a virtual reality headset, crouching and then standing, seemingly aiming at thin air before dropping back down again. The player repeated this multiple times before removing the helmet and looking visibly disappointed.

"What is that?\"

Bryan noted, \"That’s a slot machine. More specifically, it seems to be a Halo 17 unit, which has received outstanding reviews. Many users mention that the program is highly sophisticated, comparable to other top FPS virtual reality devices on the market.\"

Julian expressed confusion, saying, \"I thought slot machines were just levers to pull in hopes of lining up fruits or bells or something along those lines.\"

"It seems you haven't quite grasped the concept of slot machines,\" Bryan remarked. \"Physical handles on slot machines became nearly a thing of the past about fifty years ago when push-button mechanisms took over. Nowadays, you might see an occasional slot machine with a handle, but those are quite rare. The last known model that actually allowed handle operation was released roughly around 2023, and now they mostly reside in museums or private collections.\"

"Museums dedicated to slot machines? Private collections? Are people seriously assigning the same worth to these machines as they would to a DaVinci masterpiece?\"

Bryan tilted his head in curiosity, \"Interestingly enough, there was a slot game called DaVinci Diamonds that featured...\"

"I really don’t care about that!\" Julian interrupted, rolling his eyes. \"My question is about why anyone would bother collecting such ridiculous items?\"

"You should ask your uncle about that,\" Bryan suggested. \"He collects these machines and even used to design them, so he'd have a clearer perspective than I do. By the way, I just got a note saying he’ll be running a bit late because he bumped into an acquaintance. Should we explore a little more in the meantime?\"

Julian, feeling utterly frustrated, replied, \"We might as well continue. It’s not like we have anything better to do. Who knows? Maybe we’ll stumble upon a slot machine designed by Picasso next!\"

They wandered through the casino, examining various slot machine brands scattered across the gaming floor. While numerous virtual reality games occupied the space, there were still many traditional screen-based games where players would hit buttons in hopes of winning. Some of these older machines displayed graphics that seemed to belong to another era, making Julian ponder their continued appeal. Bryan noted that the presence of these older games indicated a sustained popularity, as casinos wouldn’t keep them if they were losing customers. He added that most players of these games tended to be older, and the formats were reminiscent of social media games they enjoyed.

As Julian continued to observe the lively crowds engaging in virtual reality games—who clearly appeared to be having more fun than he was—he turned his attention to the game titles. One game, called Dance Dance Reel-Lution, revolved around dancing in a virtual club for cash rewards and had a whopping ten product placements. There were also a variety of shooting games, flying games, and a multitask console offering over 100 different games that required a controller but came complete with visual headgear.

Looking around one last time, Julian sighed and thought, \"I might as well give one of these games a shot while waiting for Uncle Frank to show up. What’s the admission fee?\"

Bryan explained, \"The cost varies depending on the game you want to play, Julian. The oldest games can be played for just ten dollars a spin, though they finish quickly. The virtual Blackjack that we talked about costs fifty bucks to play, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You might consider simpler games that require no skill, like Quadruple-Zero Roulette, with a minimum bet of twenty-five dollars...\"

"I’d prefer to try out one of the shooting games, it's more in line with my current mood, \" Julian interjected.

"Sure, but you can’t just hop in and start playing right away. First, you’ll need to rent a virtual reality headset. There’s a rental station only a few meters away, and it costs fifty dollars for three hours of use.\"

"And does that rental include access to all the games?\"

"Not at all,\" Bryan clarified, \"That fee is for the helmet only—not for any games. Playing the game itself is a separate bet, and the game's cost can vary based on its complexity.\"

Julian ultimately decided to rent a virtual reality helmet and approached the Halo 17 game. Unfortunately, it was in use, just like the other nearby Halo 17 machines. He sighed and opted for an older James Bond-themed game instead, only to discover that playing it would set him back an additional fifty dollars. \"Are you kidding me? I have to pay fifty bucks just to try one game?!\" Julian exclaimed, clearly frustrated.

Bryan replied, \"Not exactly. You need to bet fifty dollars to play. Nevada law mandates that slot machines must return at least seventy-five percent of a player’s wager, and this game is structured so that the minimum payout actually stands at thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents. On average, simulations show that players typically get back around forty dollars and seventeen cents per game, while the highest theoretical payout, if everything works out perfectly, could be one hundred six dollars and twenty-four cents.\"

Julian’s interest piqued at this news. \"So, if I mastered the game perfectly, I could theoretically earn fifty-six dollars and twenty-four cents every single time?\"

"In my view, that wouldn’t be the wisest use of your time,\" Bryan responded. \"Achieving this so-called perfect play would take well over two hours, yielding less than twenty-five dollars an hour, which is just a fraction of what you’re earning now. Moreover, nobody has ever actually completed this perfect game, and the closest anyone's gotten resulted in a return of eighty-eight dollars and twenty cents. Some players claim to have averages of over seventy dollars per game, but the casino often asks them to stop playing.\"

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Julian asked, \"Why do they ask them to stop?\"

Bryan replied, \"The casino has its reasons, though they're not always clear. There are far more players who lose than win, and only a select few have demonstrated a lasting advantage in these virtual games. Those few typically spend a substantial amount of money just to develop their skills, so the casino remains financially unscathed by the handful of long-term winners.\"

"How many is a, 'Handful'?\"

"I understand,\" Bryan noted. \"I was simply relaying terminology from one of the sources I researched. The specific number of long-term winners remains unknown, yet based on typical reflexes and visual acuity, less than point-one percent of people could theoretically achieve long-term success.\"

"How long does a game last?\"

"That really hinges on your performance, Julian,\" Bryan elaborated. \"A typical game lasts about forty seconds, ending either when you’re eliminated or if you don’t act for too long. Your payout depends on how long the game runs and how many opponents you defeat. However, if you go idle for more than two seconds, the game will automatically shut down. Some games won't end due solely to inactivity, but you’d need to pay more for those.\"

"I want to play one of those, instead.\"

Bryan quickly scanned the titles of the games, mentally matching them with their descriptions, and proposed, \"I have a game in mind.\"

He led Julian to a game called \"Reel Sniper\" and outlined its rules. \"In this game, you assume the role of a sniper, and the motion detection is incredibly accurate. If your shot goes awry, it's not the game’s fault—you simply didn’t aim properly. The minimum wager for this game is one hundred dollars, and while you can expect an average return of eighty-point-two percent, there's no guaranteed minimum because thorough analysis proves that the typical player’s expectations can meet the seventy-five percent payout requirement over time.\"

"Alright,\" Julian queried, \"How exactly do you win at this game?\"

Bryan explained, \"Your winnings depend on the number of enemies you take out and how you do it. The highest rewards come from what the game calls \"Instant Death Head Shots.\" If you hit an enemy in the chest, he dies immediately, even if your shot wouldn't have hit the heart. The best theoretical return ever projected is one thousand eighty-five dollars and forty-six cents, but that’s never been achieved in reality. In fact, no one has ever seen a return exceeding five hundred dollars.\"

"Transforming one hundred bucks into over four hundred would be a nice win, though,\" Julian reasoned. \"I’ve got a sniper simulator at home, so I should be decent at this game. What makes someone lose?\"

"Two key factors can lead to a loss,\" Bryan started. \"Firstly, if you miss too many shots, the enemies will realize your location and rush you. At that point, it’s all about trying to eliminate as many as possible before they close in on you. Secondly, you can choose to resign voluntarily, which always yields a payout that exceeds what you've earned thus far. This option can be tempting since the enemies create distance with each one you eliminate.\"

Julian gave the game a shot, but his performance fell short of his expectations. Not only did the enemies retreat considerably each time he scored a hit, but they also became much harder to target. The first adversary he defeated was leisurely snacking, while by the end, the remaining foes were well-hidden, and he only had split seconds to take aim before they took cover. Ultimately, Julian's hundred-dollar wager netted him only ninety-seven dollars and eighty cents.

"That wasn’t too shabby of a game,\" Julian commented. \"I don't quite understand how they manage to stimulate brainwaves to make it feel as if there’s sand beneath my feet, but it's a pretty impressive experience. Plus, the sensation of holding the sniper rifle added to the high-tech vibe. You should try it, Bryan; I bet you'd come close to achieving one of the top scores!\"

"If I were to achieve anything at all,\" Bryan warned, \"It would simply be arranging for you to be sent directly to federal prison. It's totally against the law to let a machine play the game on your behalf; otherwise, anyone with a machine would never face defeat. Not to mention, the equipment could easily damage my circuitry!\"

"I definitely wouldn't want that to happen,\" Julian chimed in, \"Considering how many games I could play before losing an amount equal to what you cost to acquire!\"

"Would you like to play again, Julian?\"

"Not today,\" Julian replied, \"Perhaps another time. I’m actually curious to find out how well I do when it comes to dancing.\"

Upon trying his hand at dancing, Julian realized he had two left feet, which is what happens when someone stays cooped up for months on end. He enjoyed the game, but with three attempts costing him $25 each, he managed to leave with just $37.22 in his pocket.

"I'm determined to improve my skills at that game,\" Julian declared.

Bryan gently opposed, \"I mean no offense, but examining your moves here and elsewhere, you're unfortunately a worse dancer than about 92% of the population. This was confirmed almost precisely by your financial results from the game. While improvement is possible, your lack of natural talent in dancing means profit won't be an expectation; you'd need an unrealistic amount of time to reach a competitive level before your life is over.\"

"Thanks for that uplifting assessment, Bryan,\" Julian replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'm just trying to save you money.\"

Julian strolled through the remainder of the casino and tried a few other shooting games. He lost on four out of five games but made a significant comeback on the one he won, nearly tripling his bet, which compensated for all his previous losses, and then some. Although he considered playing again, he ultimately decided against it, realizing that his victory stemmed largely from luck—landing a blind shot on an enemy who had snuck up on him from the right. It was pure happenstance that he noticed the enemy lifting their weapon just in time to fire his pistol with his left hand, an act that seemed entirely improbable.

"Nice job,\" Bryan told him, \"You won.\"

Julian shot a playful wink at Bryan, joking, \"Did you expect anything different?\"

Bryan sensed that Julian’s wink was a façade of confidence; in fact, he had a knack for reading people's true emotions better than most, but he opted to let Julian relish this moment.

"I just got a message from your Uncle Frank,\" Bryan mentioned, \"He’s stepping into the building right now.\"

"That's great,\" Julian replied with a slight edge in his tone, seemingly forgetting the enjoyment he had just experienced, \"But how long have we been down here?\"

"Approximately three hours.\"

Julian was taken aback by the news; not only had he lost track of time, but he found he had genuinely enjoyed himself. He wanted to remain annoyed with his uncle for his tardiness, yet he couldn’t help but acknowledge that even simple virtual reality games become more engaging when money is on the line—no matter if it’s not life-altering.

They regrouped with Uncle Frank in the hotel lobby. He reminded Julian of his mother, who had always had a strong love for the outdoors until her passing. Like her, Uncle Frank had a naturally olive skin tone, deepened by his frequent outdoor activities, which also emphasized his dark hair and deep brown eyes. However, Uncle Frank was notably shorter than Julian, standing at around 1.7 meters, whereas Julian was nearly 1.9 meters tall. Julian’s hair was a medium brown, and his complexion was much lighter, reflecting the less time he spent outside.

Uncle Frank pulled Julian in for a brief hug and exclaimed, \"Jules! I feel like it’s been ages since we last saw each other… but let’s not dwell on that; what matters is that you're here now!\"

Julian's Uncle Frank was passionate about collecting slot machines and had previously worked as both a concept engineer and a programmer. He would often express how much he loved gambling and retired to finally engage fully with the machines he loved. However, there was worry among regulators that designers of the machines, regardless of their involvement in the creation process or the actual playability of the machines, could embed \"glitches\" to exploit for themselves. This idea eventually spread to all casino games and led to a prohibition on active employees from accessing the gaming floor.

The outcome was a troubling cycle of employee turnover and inefficiency, as many wanted to gamble while struggling to comprehend what players truly sought from the machines without experiencing them firsthand. Consequently, technology and design evolved at a pace that left casinos struggling to keep up; slot machines frequently felt outdated—a sentiment widely shared by the public. Frank, being close to retirement age and Julian's mother's elder brother, opted to step away from his job.

Julian still vividly remembered the last encounter he had with Uncle Frank at his mother’s funeral. Though they weren’t particularly close, Julian, who had always been a bit withdrawn from social interactions, appreciated the times Frank reached out, showing genuine concern for his well-being.

Despite declining his uncle’s offer to live with him after his mother’s death—believing solitude was the only silver lining from that tragedy—Julian still engaged with his uncle whenever he reached out. He couldn’t deny that he felt a wave of pleasant surprise upon encountering him now.

Julian nodded, saying, \"Thank you for the invitation, Uncle Frank, and for covering the food and hotel. I hate to admit it, but while I was waiting, I played a bit and, despite many games being underwhelming, I found that putting money on the line does make them a lot more entertaining!\"

"So, did you win a fortune, Julian?\" Uncle Frank asked with a laugh.

"Of course not!\" Julian paused, \"Wait, is there a chance to win a billion dollars from these machines? That’s not what Bryan told me at all!\"

"Bryan?\"

Julian introduced his automaton to Uncle Frank, who responded, \"There’s actually a game called MegaBucks where the jackpot is set at one billion dollars, enough to change the lives of most people. Yet, surprisingly, not all winners have had favorable outcomes. In any case, that game mostly just eats your money away.\"

Not wanting to confess to playing the dancing game, Julian shot a cautious glance at Bryan and said, \"I only tried a few of the shooting games.\"

"From a betting perspective, those games are expertly crafted,\" Uncle Frank noted.

"How do you mean?\"

"Several factors contribute to a well-constructed slot machine,\" Uncle Frank began to explain. \"The three crucial elements are the perception of being beatable, the illusion of a walk-away option when there really isn’t one, and their replay value.\"

"Can you break those down for me? Just a reminder, this is your field of expertise; Bryan might get it, but I'm lost here!\"

Uncle Frank elaborated, \"Players have to think that the machines are winnable. It doesn't necessarily mean they feel they have an edge; most understand they don't, or else casinos would not stay in business. But if they believe their chances of winning are only slightly lower than losing, they're more likely to gamble on the hope of striking it lucky or reaching a skill-based milestone—if that term is still in use. They partly recognize they can't win long-term, yet they still hold onto the belief that they might. Isn't that fascinating? Believing something that's entirely opposite to what you actually know?\"

Julian replied, \"I can't fathom ever believing something that contradicts not just my past experiences but all factual data and reasonable deductions, either!\"

"I wouldn't expect you to,\" came the reply. \"Yet, there are individuals who do just that.\"

"What were the other two factors?\"

"The second critical element is the illusion of a walk-away factor. The goal is to create a machine that players will continue to use until they exhaust their budget while still tricking them into thinking they might win enough to 'walk away.' It’s quite a delicate balance; the player must feel they have a reasonable chance of winning 'almost' enough to feel satisfied, but not quite. As a result, they keep pushing to reach an arbitrary winning goal but often fall short, ultimately seeking to 'break even.' Isn’t it incredible? They play not just to win, but to regain what they started with—making that their measure of success!\"

"Sounds like a pretty flimsy kind of success to me,\" Julian remarked dryly.

"True enough,\" Uncle Frank conceded, \"But here’s the kicker: even if a player gets close to even or slightly ahead, they take that as proof that they can achieve whatever prize they’ve set their sights on, all because they hit a few winning streaks in a row.\"

"That almost sounds like a rip off.\"

Uncle Frank's expression shifted to one of mild dismay as he replied, 'That's not the case at all; in fact, it's the absolute opposite of a scam. What truly draws people in is the thrill of almost making it to their desired outcome, with the end results being a blend of luck and maybe a dash of skill. However, not every player feels that way, which is why there are still machines offering a massive jackpot, even though most plays yield almost nothing. But that type of player belongs to a completely different demographic. Essentially, they are often getting what they seek, even if it means losing.'

"I don't believe that for a second.\"

'Julian,' Uncle Frank continued, 'Slot machines have been around in various forms for close to 200 years, and those with a payout structure like the one I'm referencing have been in existence for nearly a century. The main aspect that changes over time is how they are presented, which is important for keeping players interested. However, the basic mechanics of slot machines remain unchanged and are likely to stay that way.'", 'Although Julian preferred to keep to himself, he had always found human psychology fascinating, and in this moment, he felt he was receiving a valuable lesson firsthand, “What was the third factor again?”', "'Replay value,' Uncle Frank replied instantly. 'In fact, that's the key element, now that I think about it. Regardless of whether a player wins or loses, the psychology behind continued betting is crucial; the game must be genuinely enjoyable to keep players returning to feed their money into the machine. Frankly, if that sounds exceedingly straightforward,' he chuckled, 'that's because it definitely is.'

'So, let me wrap my head around this," Julian said slowly, "You're telling me that people see these games as worth playing repeatedly, even when they keep losing money, simply because they enjoy them? That feels like it would only make sense for the least discerning individuals.'

Uncle Frank burst out laughing, 'That's not limited to just the simplest of minds, Julian! Let me ask you something: have you ever played a game more than once?'

Julian quickly realized that he had, in fact, played a dancing game he hadn’t mentioned to his uncle on numerous occasions, and it was the one he was particularly poor at! He was taken aback, but only managed a nod in agreement. As he thought about it further, he recalled how he had gotten lucky enough to win some money from a shooting game he had played, and nearly considered going back to it hoping for more winnings.

'Don’t be overly concerned,' Uncle Frank reassured him, noticing Julian's incredulous expression. 'This kind of thing happens to many people, and honestly, it could occur to nearly anyone searching for that elusive, 'perfect game.' Did you end up winning overall?'

'Yes,' Julian admitted, although he suspected that if his uncle had arrived a few hours later, his outcome might have been different. 'I did win a small amount, but it's really too insignificant to mention.'

'It's often said that 'losing is only the second most unpleasant experience for a novice gambler,' Uncle Frank remarked. 'But don’t fret! Just avoid slot machines, and not only will you be a perpetual winner, but you can guarantee from now on that you'll never lose!'

'Bryan mentioned some of those machines might be beatable.'

Uncle Frank shot Bryan a disapproving look but quickly remembered that he was a robot, saying, 'That's not accurate in any practically relevant way.'

'Player tracking has improved significantly over the years,' Uncle Frank started explaining. 'When you use that headset, the machines recognize who's playing and keep tabs on your results. When winning, the machines can analyze how likely it is that your success is due to chance based on the number of attempts you've made. If your wins in relation to your plays suggest that it might not just be pure luck, the casino will ask you to cease playing that game, or even that type of game altogether—like shooting games, for instance—or sometimes they might even ban you completely.'

'That feels quite unjust,' Julian commented.

Julian asked, \"How do you mean that?\"

'I'll admit; that's one aspect of casino management I don't agree with,' Uncle Frank replied. 'Moreover, today's games are engineered in a way that makes it nearly impossible for players to become skilled enough at those based on skill to significantly profit at the casinos’ expense. Still, many casinos, almost as a matter of principle, will not hesitate to take measures against any player they perceive as having an edge. Some casinos allow players to continue longer than others, due to the belief that the existence of skilled players encourages others to think they can become those skilled players, even if they don't possess the necessary ability.'

'What about card games? Can players win over the long haul?'

'I admit my knowledge on that isn't exhaustive,' Uncle Frank said thoughtfully. 'From what I gather, there was a time when mathematically adept players could consistently overcome card games. However, these days, the supposed 'edge' for players has diminished because the rules established now favor casinos much more heavily than before.'

'For starters,' Uncle Frank said, 'it would have to be a live dealer game at a table with a human dealer. Not only are those games played at higher minimum bets, but you would also need to stake a considerable sum of money in the rare chance you even had a small advantage—one that would hardly justify the effort to learn and apply. Some individuals do it as a hobby, but even among them, many are identified and asked to cease playing.'

'Casinos were never intended to operate fairly,' came the response. 'As technology has advanced, they've simply become more adept at ensuring that fairness is elusive. Player tracking is the biggest barrier for anyone attempting to exploit an advantage. Improvements in identity verification make it impossible to remain anonymous while betting; thus, the casino always knows who's wagering. For hobbyists, I suppose it doesn’t matter as much, as long as you're aware that eventually the consequences will catch up to you. However, professional advantage play, if we can call it that, is essentially a thing of the past.'

"Can any of them be beaten now?\"

'I've heard that sports betting can be exploited, and poker still exists, right?'

"How is any of that fair?\"

'That's partially accurate for both,' Uncle Frank answered. 'Betting lines can be navigated, but the inherent house advantage built into the way lines are established means you can't truly beat them to a significant degree. Bettors have to find favorable lines, which I last heard may come up only once in every ten thousand bets, and none of those are traditional wagers,' Uncle Frank emphasized. 'Instead, they arise through prop bets, and the stakes on those are so minimal that it's really a playground for amateur players. There’s no feasible way to approach that on a professional level or for any substantial sums.'

'Poker is a bit of a different story,' Uncle Frank conceded, 'even though the house takes a considerably larger cut—known as the “rake”—than before, which means there are hardly any professionals succeeding in that space. In a home game, where typically there’s no rake, a player might find success by outperforming the competition. However, I think the rake in casino poker or the fees for tournaments are too steep for 99.999% of players to overcome.'

'This whole situation certainly doesn't seem fair,' Julian remarked.

"And, poker?\"

'That's the crux of the matter, Julian: casinos were never designed to be fair. They are expected to offer games that are fair in terms of randomness, or virtual reality experiences that aren't rigged to ensure player loss without justifiable conditions. However, they inherently favor the house, which always retains an edge. Even when games could theoretically be beaten, and in practice as well, that was never the intended design; the games have been structured to prevent such scenarios, barring a few exceptions. Ultimately, the casino isn’t the one taking the risks—the players are.'

'So, why did you want me to come here, Uncle Frank?' Julian asked, clearly confused. 'What's the point of visiting the Golden Goose if none of the games can be beaten, or even if I could win, I'd just be kicked out? How are we expected to enjoy ourselves like that?'

'I have a great time at casinos all the time,' Uncle Frank responded. 'Despite all the advancements made, whether through virtual reality slot machines or other innovations, the overall atmosphere remains quite similar—especially with table games. You can still enjoy complimentary drinks and take in the sights of the lovely cocktail waitresses, at least when you’re not wearing that headset!'

Julian didn't really want to admit it, but he had indeed noticed the 'lovely cocktail waitresses' and certainly appreciated the view. Regardless of whether a player had a reasonable chance of winning, he could see that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, no matter what game they were playing. In fact, watching the crowd and the lively environment was nearly as entertaining as participating in the games themselves.

Uncle Frank's expression changed subtly, showing a hint of injury as he replied, \"It's not a scam at all; in fact, it's quite the opposite. What people really crave is that thrilling rush of nearing a target, with the outcome resting not just on luck but also on a bit of skill. However, that's not the case for everyone, which explains why there are still machines boasting a massive jackpot, even if the majority of attempts yield little to nothing. The customers who play these games belong to a completely different group, and they often find satisfaction even in losing because they're engaged in what they truly enjoy.\"

"Julian,\" Uncle Frank stated, \"Slot machines have been around for almost 200 years in various forms, and models similar to what I mentioned have been available for nearly a century. The main aspect that evolves is how they are presented to maintain player interest; fundamentally, though, these machines operate in the same manner now as they always have, and likely always will.\"

Despite being somewhat of a hermit, Julian had always been fascinated by human behavior, and this moment felt like a valuable lesson in understanding. \"What was the third point you made?\" he asked.

"Replay value,\" Uncle Frank answered without hesitation. \"Upon reflecting, I realize that's actually the most critical aspect. Even when a player wins, and considering how psychology influences ongoing betting, the game must be genuinely enjoyable for players to keep feeding money into it. If that sounds overly simplistic,\" he chuckled lightly, \"that’s because it truly is.\"

"Um..Maybe later?\"

"So let me get this right,\" Julian began, trying to digest the information. \"You’re saying that people find these games worth revisiting even if they’re losing real cash, purely for the enjoyment? That seems to cater only to folks with the dullest perspectives.\"

Uncle Frank burst into laughter, \"Not at all, Julian! This applies to a wide range of intellects! Tell me, did you ever replay any games more than once?\"

Julian quickly realized he didn't need a moment to ponder his response. He remembered playing the dance game he hadn't mentioned to Uncle Frank multiple times, and surprisingly, it turned out to be the one he was the worst at! Almost in disbelief, he could only nod at this realization. Further reflection led him to recall that he had once pulled off a lucky move that earned him some cash in the shooting game he had won, and he almost decided to keep playing that one, hoping for further victories.

"Don't think too much of it,\" Uncle Frank said calmly, examining Julian's look of disbelief. \"This is a common experience, and really, it can happen to virtually anyone searching for their 'ideal game.' Did you manage to come out ahead overall?\"

"I did,\" Julian admitted, although he felt that if Uncle Frank had shown up a few hours later, luck may have turned against him. \"I won a bit, but the amount was so trivial it’s hardly worth mentioning.\"

"They say that 'losing is only the second worst thing that can happen to a novice gambler,'\" Uncle Frank remarked. \"But don't stress too much: steer clear of slot machines from now on, and not only will you be a lifetime winner, but you’ll also never have to face losses again!\"

"Bryan mentioned that some of those machines can be beaten,\" said Julian.

Uncle Frank shot Bryan a disapproving glance before recalling that Bryan is just a machine. \"That's not really true on any practical level,\" he clarified.

"Player tracking has significantly advanced compared to the past,\" Uncle Frank continued. \"When you rent that helmet, the machines identify who’s playing, and they meticulously track your performance. When you win, the machines can analyze how likely it is that your results are purely random over a certain number of plays. If your winnings suggest you're becoming consistently lucky, the casino will encourage you to stop playing that particular game, or, in some cases, ban you altogether from that type of game, such as shooting games, for instance.\"

"That feels quite unjust,\" Julian commented.

"I have to agree; this is one area of casino management I find problematic,\" Uncle Frank responded. \"Additionally, today's games are structured so that it's nearly impossible for anyone playing skill-based games to outsmart the casino to a level that it would negatively impact their profits. However, many casinos seem eager, almost as a matter of principle, to act against players they perceive as having an edge. That said, some casinos allow players to go longer before taking action, since the idea that skilled players could consistently beat the games encourages other customers to think they might be able to achieve the same, despite lacking the necessary skills to do so.\"

"What about card games? Can players triumph in those over time?\" Julian inquired.

"I'm not an expert on those,\" Uncle Frank admitted thoughtfully, \"so this is mostly based on what I've heard. In the past, mathematically skilled players could routinely beat card games, particularly those governed by better rules that resulted in a lower advantage for the casino compared to today’s game structures.\"

"For starters,\" Uncle Frank noted, \"it would have to be a game with a live dealer at a physical table. Those games typically require higher minimum bets, plus you'd need to risk an enormous amount of money when you might only have a slight edge – it’s usually not worth the effort to master. Some individuals pursue it as a hobby, but even those players can be identified and asked to leave.\"

"Casinos were never designed to be equitable,\" he continued. \"As technology has evolved, casinos have become more adept at maintaining this imbalance. Player tracking has become the most significant drawback for anyone aiming to play at an advantage, since identifying players has improved to a point where it's nearly impossible to gamble under an alias. The casinos always know who is betting. If you're just a casual player, it may not matter much as long as you realize that eventually, your luck will run out. However, serious advantage play, for want of a better term, is practically non-existent now.\"

"I have heard that sports betting can be profitable, and poker still exists, right?\" Julian asked.

"That’s only partially accurate on both counts,\" Uncle Frank explained. \"While betting lines can be advantageous, the inherent house edge created by how those lines are determined means they can’t be consistently beaten by any significant margin. Bettors would need to identify favorable lines, and as far as I know, those might come across in about one out of every ten thousand opportunities, none of which are considered 'traditional bets.'\" Uncle Frank made air quotes again before elaborating, \"Most of these opportunities are through 'prop bets,' which come with such low betting limits that they're merely playgrounds for hobbyists, making it virtually impossible to profit professionally.\"

"Poker is a bit different,\" Uncle Frank acknowledged. \"Although the house takes a significantly higher 'rake' than it used to, which is its fixed percentage of each pot in cash games or tournament buy-ins, very few manage to do it as a profession. If you play in a home game without a rake, you might succeed by simply being more skilled than the others. Still, the rake and fees in casino poker and tournaments are so staggering that nearly every player might find it insurmountable.\"

"All of this seems terribly unfair,\" Julian remarked.

"What game would that be?\"

"That's the reality, Julian; casinos were never intended to uphold fairness. While they should offer fair games in terms of randomness and not be blatantly rigged against players, the house will always maintain an edge. Even when games were theoretically beatable in practice, this was seldom the outcome intended, as these games were designed to discourage that, with only a few exceptions. The casino, in essence, doesn't want to gamble; that's for the players to do.\"

Julian was aghast, \"Yuck!\"

"So why did you invite me here, Uncle Frank?\" Julian asked, still puzzled. \"What’s the point of visiting the Golden Goose if none of the games can be beaten or if I could, they would just throw me out? Where’s the fun in that?\"

"I find casinos to be quite enjoyable,\" Uncle Frank replied. \"Despite all the changes made, whether virtual reality slot machines or other innovations, the overall atmosphere remains largely the same, especially concerning table games. You can still enjoy free drinks and watch the cocktail waitresses, at least when you’re not wearing that headgear!\"

Though he hesitated to admit it, Julian noticed the 'scantly clad cocktail waitresses' and certainly appreciated the view. Regardless of whether players had a real chance of winning, he observed they all seemed to be having a great time, irrespective of their game choices. In fact, watching the crowd and ambiance brought just as much amusement as actually participating in the games.

Written by: Brandon James