Frankie's Fantastic 7

Introduction

While it’s commonly said that Frankie visits Hollywood, did you know he also participates in horse racing? Not just any race, but one that showcases seven incredible horses, each competing to have the best card in every round. Some horses may have a more challenging route ahead but are compensated with odds that are more favorable if they succeed.

This Playtech Although the horse racing game might seem a bit silly and budget-conscious, it possesses a unique charm and enjoyment factor. It’s a bit reminiscent of classic board games featuring colorful plastic horses.

So put on your finest hat, pour yourself a refreshing mint julep, and spend a delightful day at the racetrack. Just remember not to wager excessively, as there are statistically more advantageous bets available.

Rules

1. The game revolves around a race with a total of seven horses.
2. To start off, two decks comprising 53 cards are used, each deck containing one joker.
3. The cards are ranked similar to poker rules, but if two or more cards tie, the suits will come into play to determine the winner. The hierarchy of suits is spades > hearts > diamonds > clubs.
4. The horse that reaches the finish line first is declared the winner.
5. The top contenders, Diffident and Mark of Esteem, need to advance a total of four steps in order to claim victory.
6. The horses Decorated Hero and Wall Street will have to move ahead by five steps to win.
7. The three least favored horses, Lochangel, Fujiyama Crest, and Fatefully, must cover six steps to be victorious.
8. Participants have the option to place bets on any combination of horses they prefer to win. Here are the winning odds:
   • Lane 1: Diffident: 2.4 to 1.
   • Lane 2: Decorated Hero: 5.75 to 1.
   • Lane 3: Lochangel: 13 to 1.
   • Lane 4: Fujiyama Crest: 13 to 1.
   • Lane 5: Fatefully: 13 to 1.
   • Lane 6: Wall Street: 5.75 to 1.
   • Lane 7: Mark of Esteem: 2.4 to 1.
9. Additionally, players can make two 'evens' bets; the first on any of the horses positioned in lanes 1 to 3 to win, and the second on any horse found in lanes 5 to 7 to secure a victory. The payout for wins is set at 0.95 to 1.
10. Once betting has concluded, every horse is dealt a playing card.
11. Should a horse receive a joker at any point, it will be disqualified from the race.
12. If not, the horse with the highest card value will move forward one step.
13. In cases where two horses have identical highest cards, both will progress one step.
14. This process will continue for 15 rounds, or until a winner emerges.
15. If no winner is determined after 15 rounds, and there are insufficient cards remaining for another round, the two jokers will be removed, the cards shuffled, and the race will resume until a victor is found.
16. After eliminating the jokers, the cards will be reshuffled following the 14th round if no winner is declared, ensuring that the game continues without exhausting the card supply.
17. In the occurrence of a simultaneous win by two horses, both will receive half of the total payout. Specifically, horses in lanes 1 and 7 will win at odds of 1.7 to 1, whereas lanes 2 and 6 will receive 3.375 to 1, with the remaining horses winning at odds of 7 to 1.

Analysis

The following table illustrates the probabilities and potential returns for each betting outcome when wagering on horses in lanes 1 and 7. Note that the lower right cell indicates a house edge of 9.88%.

The subsequent table displays the probabilities and returns associated with each betting outcome for lanes 2 and 6, with the lower right cell highlighting a house edge of 8.63%.

Another table outlines the probabilities and returns applicable to bets placed on horses in lanes 3 to 5, showing a house edge of 7.06% in the lower right cell.

The subsequent table summarizes the probabilities and returns for placing bets on either of the Evens options, indicating a house edge of 8.97% in the lower right cell.

Video

I posted a video of the game on my YouTube channel.

Summary

This table provides an overview of the house edge linked to various betting choices.

It’s evident that the lowest house edge lies with the long shots in lanes 1 and 7, measuring at 7.06%.

According to the help file for this game, 'The maximum theoretical return to player (RTP) is 92.18%, while the minimum is 91.34%. My calculations suggest a range between 92.94% and 90.12%.' It's up to you to determine which source is the most credible.

Written by: Michael Shackleford