[mason55]

> scam

Or just paying for entertainment. Craps pass line is under 1.5% per bet placed with even money odds if you’re backing up your bet. For a $15 pass line bet you’re paying the house $0.25 per bet. Even at 10 bets/hour it’s $2.50/hour for entertainment, which is super cheap. And toss in a couple free drinks and it comes out to be very cheap entertainment.

[halikular]

That's a case for entertainment. In poker real money can be made, although hard. All other ways of making money in the casino has been cracked down on.

[User23]

The strip casinos don’t care about individual advantage play if you’re playing with black chips or less[1]. I’ve watched an older pit boss make fun of an obvious counter by calling the count out for him. Now if you’re wonging and doing other team stuff then sure expect to get cooled.

Edit: the real key way to view it is that much like bartenders, casino staff are fundamentally providing recreation. The ones that are good at their jobs will provide a solid experience for a reasonable price.

On the other hand anyone with a gambling addiction needs to stay away. A good rule of thumb is to treat your entire trip bankroll as entertainment budget that you’re willing to spend all of.

[1] For all I know they might not even care if the counter’s base bet is melons, but my experience is limited to black chip range since losing won’t hurt and it’s enough to get the dopamine hit plus sign off on nice comps.