I've read some posts recently that asked some legitimate questions about the inner workings of modern casinos. I've also read a lot of misinformation and some casino/gambling myths that simply won't die. Since this board is my favorite chipping venue I thought I might try to put some of these myths to rest. As some of you know, I've spent my entire adult life working in the gambling business(38 years). In the last 15 years I even worked in the gaming business. I've held about every pit related job you can think of. My favorite was Director Of Surveillance. Let me try to answer some questions. There is no such thing as a professional cooler. Yes, a lot of pit personel are superstitious and I've seen some crazy rituals, but no paid coolers. Yes,there are people who can beat casinos on a consitant basis. Are we afraid of card counters..NO. Why, because if they are good enough that we will feel it, we stop them. Period. On the other hand, if you are good enough and take small wins, don't get greedy, you can probably do it for years. Will you be cheated in a modern casino? It can happen, but it's usually a dealer who is stealing and trying to hold the PC on his game. No Indian or major corporate modern casino will cheat you. Why? They don't have to, the percentages always come true in the long run and gaming licenses are worth much more than we could take from you. Are there dice and card mechanics in modern casinos. Very few. Most great ones are dead or retired.Every great mechanic I've known learned his craft in one of two places, the service during WWII or prison. If they are good they can make much more money working private games. If a bad player sits down, hits busting hands against dealers stiffs, splits 10's, and makes every bad play in the book will it hurt the other players at the table. The answer is No, the cards are still random and a bad player will help just as much as he hurts. Every true gambling professional knows this, but it is amazing how many insiders and seasoned players refuse to beleive it. These are the same people who pull all of their bets down when the dice go off the table. Do you know why it always seems the seven is coming? Because you remember it everytime it happens. I hope I've been able to clarify a few things for you. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions about the inner workings of the casino. Regards, Jim Kruse