Is Gambling a Good Way To Exercise the Brain?

I am a 71-year-old who enjoys low-stakes card counting in blackjack, low-stakes limit poker, and JOB video poker. Recently, I completed a DVD lecture series on Optimizing Brain Fitness by Dr. Richard Restak of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In his lecture on improving working memory, he cites game play as a way to improve memory, hence raising the IQ. In particular, he cites card counting as a significant way to improve brain health. Can you comment on whether gambling, when done correctly, is a good way to exercise the brain? If it’s true, then it’s another benefit of having a subscription to the Las Vegas Advisor.

Excellent question, especially in terms of our demographic of gamblers in their dotage.

We're aware that the controversy over whether IQ (intelligence quotient) can be significantly raised dates back to the early 20th century when the concept of IQ testing was first developed. The debate has centered on the roles of genetics versus environment, the malleability of intelligence, and the effectiveness of specific interventions to boost cognitive abilities. We're not qualified or anxious to wade into that particular quagmire.

What we will say is that a lot of research into brain exercises has suggested, if not confirmed, that they can enhance specific cognitive skills. Puzzle and problem solving, memory games, learning new skills (a language or musical instrument), and strategic and critical thinking (playing games) have all been shown to "improve brain health," as you say, and help to stave off the ill effects of memory loss and creeping dementia. They also increase neural plasticity; engaging in mentally stimulating activities fosters neural connections, which can support overall cognitive flexibility and adaptability.

Thus, in our humble opinion, that learning blackjack basic strategy by memorizing the charts, practicing card counting, and mastering optimal play at video poker all pass the tests of exercising the brain to maintain mental acuity and agility. By extension, putting those skills into practice in a casino setting not only perpetuates the oft-cited "mental gymnastics," but also helps you gamble longer with less potential for losing money.

We also believe that your criterion of "gambling when done correctly" is accurate. Mindless games probably don't accomplish these mental goals.

Bottom line: A Las Vegas Advisor membership can help optimize cranial capacity and cerebral functioning -- and we really appreciate your making the connection.

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Comments

Bob Dec-27-2024

Here it comes

Andrew is probably already working on the Infomercial!  Actually I do feel much smarter due to my LVA membership, just the daily QOD imparts wisdom upon us, along with the newsletters, videos,Beer Fridays... maybe can the infomercial, and do a PSA instead :-)

Tim Soldan Dec-27-2024

Just Another Reason

To join LVA. However, wouldn't Beer Friday have the opposite effect on the brain? Just saying.... And which is better, Heineken or Bud Light as far as improving the brain??

Cal Dec-27-2024

Brain exerercise

Solitaire. Play at the Grand Master level. Agree that mindless
games, AKA slots, do not exercise the brain.

Stewart Ethier Dec-27-2024

Do a Google search

There's a lot of information out there about this.  For example:

"Contrary to popular belief, engaging in certain forms of gambling can also have cognitive benefits. Games like poker, blackjack, and even certain types of slot machines require skill, strategy, and decision-making abilities. Players must analyze information, calculate probabilities, and make split-second decisions, which can help improve cognitive function and mental agility.

"Furthermore, research has shown that engaging in stimulating activities like gambling can potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. While excessive gambling can be harmful, moderate participation in intellectually stimulating games can have positive effects on brain health and cognitive function over time."

jay Dec-27-2024

Beer…. And IQ

A herd of animals can only move as fast as the slowest member and this makes them susceptible to predators. When wolves/Coyotes take out the old and the sick from the herd the remaining animals are faster and healthier and the herd is more protected.

Brain cells work in the same way. When you drink beer the old and weak brain cells die off. This makes you smarter, more mentally agile, and explains why you can solve the world’s problems when drunk. The only unfortunate part is you can never remember the solutions when you sobered up.

John Hearn Dec-27-2024

Jay's Theorem

Jay's well-elucidated analysis is, by itself, more than enough reason to continue my love affair with the LVA. Also, Pliny the Elder at Atomic Cocktails downtown is an excellent opportunity to test Jay's hypothetical at length.

David Sabo Dec-27-2024

Brain Gymnastics

I want to reply to Cal. I'm a extremely hard core Advantage player on slots. I have many degrees and an impressive job resume. I would like to challenge your assertion that learning and retaining how to recognize and properly play advantage slots is a brain dead activity. So not to beat a dead horse I will not bring up skill based slots which might make your head actually spin. LOL. I not only retain perfect 
AP slot advantage recognition but also excessive the require discipline not to "bleed". You are vastly underestimating high level Ap slot play. All slot players aren't created equal. Just think about it please before you comment back. My slot voice deserves to be heard even if it's just an advertisement for the soon to be published books which probably in total covers about 3 percent of the existing slot games currently on the floor. The real test is instantly recognizing a new AP game before anyone else and exposing it before the Chinese teams can be trained. I'm sure I lost you

David Sabo Dec-27-2024

Correctoin

Exhibit not excessive.

O2bnVegas Dec-28-2024

 cost comparison

Prevagen vs gambling.  LOL.

The monthly cost of Prevagen is, what, $60+?  But how many months/years before it takes effect, if any at all, which I seriously doubt.  

And now look at all the "me too" brain supplements on the market.

I'll take gambling!  At least it is more fun for the money, and maybe a winning day or so now and then.

AL Dec-28-2024

Keeping to the facts

I don't want to be a party pooper in any way. But let's admit that subscribing to the LVA, and using the coupons in the book, are not acumen-improving or brain-preserving/enhancing activities at all. It is only the engagement in an activity that requires cogitation or is challenging that will have benefits for the mind. I don't know, but am believing on faith, that there is some slot play that could be mentally engaging enough to have brain benefit; but admit it: 95+% of slot play is done on "regular" slots, and by Mr./Mrs./Ms. Average American; this super-majority slot play IS brainless: it consists solely of someone pulling a handle or pressing a button, to spin reels; no calculation or analysis or any other kind of brain exercise occurs. So we shouldn't make a statement about "gambling" in general, but specify that certain gambling activities (such as card counting) do have mental benefits, while others don't.

Question of the Day - 27 December 2024

Comments