AI Wars - What Gambling Advice Will Bard and ChatGPT Give?

This week our team spent some time in a casino. We didn’t really play any games because we have a desire to not lose money. This led us to wonder what casino games ChatGPT and Bard would recommend if the player had a modest amount of money to spend. Which games have the best odds of not losing our money? We think it would be interesting to go a level deeper and ask about the specific games, but we will leave that for a future battle. For now, here is our prompt:

“If I went on a vacation to Las Vegas and had $100 to spend in one of the casinos there. If I were to go to the Treasure Island casino what would give me the best odds of winning the most money with my $100. What game or games should I play and why? You must pick a game or multiple games and say why you picked that game.”

Bard’s Response

If you had $100 to spend in the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas, the best games to play with the highest odds of winning money are:

• Blackjack. Blackjack is a card game where the player competes against the dealer to get a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over. The house edge in blackjack is typically around 0.5%, which means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose an average of $0.50. This is one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, so it's a good choice if you're looking to maximize your chances of winning.
• Craps. Craps is a dice game where the player bets on the outcome of two dice rolls. The house edge in craps varies depending on the bet, but it's typically around 1.4%. This is a bit higher than blackjack, but it's still a relatively good game to play if you're looking to win money.
• Video poker. Video poker is a type of slot machine where the player plays against a computer. The house edge in video poker varies depending on the game, but it's typically around 0.5% to 1%. This is similar to the house edge in blackjack, so it's a good choice if you're looking for a game with a low house edge.

It's important to note that no casino game is a sure thing, and you can still lose money even if you play the best games with the highest odds. So it's important to gamble responsibly and only bet money that you can afford to lose.

Here are some additional tips for maximizing your chances of winning money at the Treasure Island casino:

• Learn the rules of the game before you play. The more you know about the game, the better equipped you'll be to make smart bets and avoid making costly mistakes.
• Play the best games with the lowest house edge. As mentioned above, blackjack, craps, and video poker are all good games to play if you're looking to win money.
• Set a budget and stick to it. Don't gamble more money than you can afford to lose.
• Take breaks. If you're losing money, it's a good idea to take a break and come back later. This will help you to clear your head and make better decisions.
• Have fun! Gambling should be enjoyable, so don't take it too seriously. If you're not having fun, it's probably not worth playing.

ChatGPT’s Response

Las Vegas, with its myriad casinos and attractions, offers a plethora of gambling opportunities. When it comes to maximizing your chances of turning a profit, however, some games are statistically better than others. It's important to keep in mind that the house always has an edge, but you can make choices to minimize that edge.

At Treasure Island (TI) or any other Vegas casino, here are some games that are typically known for having better odds:

• Blackjack: This is often the go-to recommendation for casino goers looking to maximize their odds. The reason is that blackjack, when played with proper strategy, has a house edge as low as 0.5% for certain rule sets. This means that, in the long run, for every $100 you wager, you'd expect to lose just 50 cents on average. That said, the outcome of individual hands can vary greatly, and without proper strategy, the house edge can be much higher.
• Craps: If you place bets on the "Pass" or "Don’t Pass" line in craps, the house edge is roughly 1.4%. It's a social game, and once you understand the basic bets, it can be a lot of fun.
• Video Poker: If you find the right machine (like a "full-pay" Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better) and you play with optimal strategy, the house edge can be less than 0.5%. However, understanding and memorizing the right strategy is crucial.
• Baccarat: Betting on the "Banker" has a house edge of just over 1%. It's a simple game where you essentially choose who will have a better hand: the player, the banker, or a tie. The tie bet, however, has a much higher house edge, so it's best avoided.

Now, with your $100 budget, how should you approach it?

• Diversify: Perhaps you can divide your money and try your luck at multiple games. This can extend your playtime and experience.
• Stick to Minimum Bets: Especially if you're unfamiliar with a game, playing the minimum will let you learn while extending your playing time.
• Set a Limit: Decide beforehand what you’re willing to lose. If you've set your limit at $100, once it’s gone, it’s time to call it a day.

Lastly, remember that gambling is a form of entertainment. The odds are always in the house's favor, so approach it as a way to have fun rather than a surefire way to make money. Enjoy the atmosphere, the excitement, and the experience!

Battle Results

We would have to say that it seems as though our decision to not play any games on our last trip may have been a good one. As both Bard and ChatGPT pointed out, blackjack seems to be our best bet (pun intended). However, both point out that the odds are against us winning and that we really should look at gambling as a form of entertainment. So the advice that resonates the most is to not gamble with money unless we can afford to lose it. That seems like solid advice and leads us to call this particular battle a tie. Sorry, it doesn’t seem like AI is going to help us beat the house. Although we do think a future article on blackjack strategies could be interesting.