Blackjack has the best odds of winning, with a house edge of just 1 percent in most casinos, Bean said. Plus, you are playing against only the dealer, not hooded poker champions.

In the popular video slot machine called Pompeii,  a chorus of male voices chants, Veni, Vidi, Vici,  when gold coins consecutively appear on the first three reels. The chant is mesmerizing, encouraging continuous and rapid play so that the familiar phrase can be completed.