# Should I jump off the Stratosphere tower in Las Vegas plus a gambling question **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 18, 2013, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572 "2013-01-18T01:18:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cormac262](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@cormac262](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cormac262)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/21 "2013-01-18T06:20:20Z")
> [@cormac262](#): > > If by “one bet”, you are also implying “one chance”, then I think the roulette plan (play 2 of the 12-number blocks) is the only way to achieve your desired payout. > > If “one bet” doesn’t also mean “one chance”, then you could play two hands of blackjack (at the same table) of $2000 each on the same deal. It depends, but most casinos will allow you to play two spots on the same table if you bet at least double the table minimum. But because of the possibilities to “push”, you might lose it all (both hands lose), > > or not lose at all (break even): > > - one hand wins, one hand loses > - both hands push > > or win something: > > - both hands win: double your money (100% profit) > - one hand hits blackjack, the other loses: 25% profit (your $1000 win) > - both hands hit blackjack: 150% profit > > As to craps, depending on the “point”, there would be ways to achieve your 25% profit (I think), but this would involve multiple rolls (multiple “chances”). You would need to wait until you either win, or you lose. And this could take a number of rolls (but typically not, sad to say) (didn’t know how to edit this) After walking away, I realized my math is all messed up. With the blackjack payouts, since you only wanted to play $2000 total, that means $1000 per hand. So the 25% profit would only net you $500, not $1000. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/22 "2013-01-18T06:51:59Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Believe me, I will do it and I have done it before and won for bets in the sub $1000 range. … mathematically, is there a difference between playing 100 games in a night and playing 1 game per visit for 100 visits? i guess it does not matter if the capital is not yours to keep. ---
**Author:** ![Zerc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/82dd89/32.png) [@Zerc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zerc)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/23 "2013-01-18T06:56:37Z")
I was in Las Vegas last November and I considered doing the Stratosphere jump but in the end I did a Tandem jump with Skydive Las Vegas which even though they cost more I think is a better deal. A skydive lasts a lot longer than a jump off a tower and is higher too. I was picked up in the morning at about 08:00 and returned at about 12:00. The skydive costs $199. The other con against the skydive is that the whole process takes about 4 hours while the Stratosphere jump should be a lot quicker. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/24 "2013-01-18T13:39:39Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Thanks. That is what I was worried about. I only have a set budget for jumping off of large things per year and I really want to go skydiving as well. If it isn’t worth it, **I could just go skydiving around here when the weather warms up for not that much more.** If that’s true, then definitely hold off - why go 5% of the way? ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/25 "2013-01-18T13:47:46Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Let me give you an example. Roulette has 36 numbers and multiple ways to play. One of the bets covers twelve numbers. You can do two of those at a time if you want and get 3x your bet back and expect to win a little less than 2/3rds of the time. The problem with Roulette is that there is also a 0 and 00 on the board which makes the odds less than ideal because they don’t pay at all for number bets. If one of the bets pays off, you don’t get the other bet back, you lose it. If we assume three possible roulette bets, taking out the 0 and 00, and each pays at double the money, you can only win one bet at a time. If you hit one bet, you lose the other, so the BEST you can do is still have 2 grand. You have a 2/3 chance of losing nothing, and a 1/3 chance of losing everything, zero chance of winning even a dollar. Bet a grand on 1-12, a grand on 13-24, and nothing on 25-36. You hit 7, winning a grand, and getting your grand back, but you lose the other grand you bet on 13-25. The casino always wins this bet, because they can do no worse than push. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/26 "2013-01-18T14:23:12Z")
the payout for those kind of bets are 2 to 1; so you win _ **two** _ grands, get your grand back, and you lose the other grand. iinm, i think single bets should be either baccarat or craps, followed by single 0 roulette. if the OP hasn’t gone skydiving before, then it would seem best to wait. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/27 "2013-01-18T14:48:45Z")
As you suggest, betting $1000 each on 1-12 and 13-24 will fulfill your objective 63.16% of the time. You want a chance closer to 66.67%. It’s not a single bet, but a very simple schedule of betting will meet your objective and give you 65.73% chance. Simply bet $1000 at the Craps table on _Do Not Pass_, and repeat this wager until you’re either $1000 up or $2000 down. You’ll be done quickly unless the sequence is specifically Pass-NotPass-Pass-NotPass-Pass-NotPass-Pass-NotPass-Pass… If you play _Pass_ instead of _Do Not_, your chance falls only 65.72%. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/28 "2013-01-18T14:53:31Z")
> [@shijinn](#): > > the payout for those kind of bets are 2 to 1;. I know. I have no idea why I was thinking 1:1. I will now spend two minutes in the box, alone, and I will feel shame. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/29 "2013-01-18T14:53:34Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > No. I am not paying for the bet either but I get to keep half of any money I make from it and don’t have to pay anything if it fails (long story). Tell the guy you bet on black and lost, and keep the money. You won’t find better odds than that. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/30 "2013-01-18T15:31:11Z")
> [@hrhomer](#): > > I know. I have no idea why I was thinking 1:1. I will now spend two minutes in the box, alone, and I will feel shame. well, i should keep you company, because for a second there i got confused too - if you win 2 grand, keep 1 grand and lose 1 grand; shouldn’t you be left with 2 grand? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/31 "2013-01-18T15:49:55Z")
**Shag** , in the end the house always wins. Statistically, that means that sooner or later their tower will kill you. ---
**Author:** ![Palo\_Verde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/32 "2013-01-18T16:45:48Z")
Last summer for my son’s 15th birthday, he and I jumped off the Stratosphere. I think I even posted about it at the time. Actually jumping was really scary. I had to close my eyes in order to do it. But once I did, the falling part was wonderful and not scary at all. I’m so glad I did it! My son bought the t-shirt and loves to brag at his high school about it. We both got the pictures and look at them fondly. DO IT!!! ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/33 "2013-01-18T16:52:09Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Thanks. That is what I was worried about. I only have a set budget for jumping off of large things per year and I really want to go skydiving as well. If it isn’t worth it, I could just go skydiving around here when the weather warms up for not that much more. It would never have occured to me to have an annual jumping off of large things budget. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/34 "2013-01-18T17:05:49Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > It would never have occured to me to have an annual jumping off of large things budget. If you’ve ever wondered where your life was lacking, now you know. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/35 "2013-01-18T21:23:57Z")
> [@Enola\_Gay](#): > > You should jump off the Stratosphere If $110 isn’t much for you to blow. It’s a rush and very Vegassy. I hear the jump is free but stopping gently is $110. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/36 "2013-01-18T22:08:51Z")
> [@Evil\_Economist](#): > > Tell the guy you bet on black and lost, and keep the money. You won’t find better odds than that. I like the way you think! ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/37 "2013-01-27T08:12:43Z")
I am in Las Vegas. I won that gamble several times over in the first hour and now I have to come up something to do for the next two days. I am out of of the gambling business because I already won big time but if any Las Vegas dopers want to meet up, I would be happy to do it. I want to jump off the Stratophere and I would be willing to pay for exactly one person to do it with me. PM if you are interested. It costs a $110 but I would be willing to do that for you if really want to do it or know somebody that does. I will pay for it if someone wants to go with me. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/38 "2013-01-27T16:07:06Z")
I’ve skydived once, and from what I remember, the scariest part is when you’re standing at the edge looking down. Once you’re falling, it less scary and just awesome ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/39 "2013-01-27T17:37:39Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > I am in Las Vegas. I won that gamble several times over in the first hour and now I have to come up something to do for the next two days. I am out of of the gambling business because I already won big time but if any Las Vegas dopers want to meet up, I would be happy to do it. I want to jump off the Stratophere and I would be willing to pay for exactly one person to do it with me. > > PM if you are interested. It costs a $110 but I would be willing to do that for you if really want to do it or know somebody that does. I will pay for it if someone wants to go with me. I live here in Las Vegas, and you know what? That is one hell of an offer! Wow - a chance to jump off the Statosphere - for free! Sadly, I am going to have to decline this truly generous offer. I don’t think anyone wants to clean up the feces that would fly if I did this, nor do I think anyone in the 12 block area wants to hear my blood-curdling screams. I am really happy you pulled off a nice win (or two) at the tables! That makes me truly happy - love to hear people winning big here and then walking away! May I suggest you try the [indoor skydiving here in Las Vegas](http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/). Some people think it is cool to [shoot real machine guns](http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/) at the local gun store. Or plunk down a month’s mortgage and eat really well at [Joel Robuchon’s restaurant](http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/joel-robuchon-french-restaurant.aspx) at the MGM. Or maybe you would like to [rent that fantasy luxury car](http://www.worldclassdriving.com/drive-exotics-las-vegas?gclid=CNDD1eKIibUCFUWnPAodF2QAuA) - Ferrari or Jag or Lamborghini? There are lots of ways to quickly blow some big winnings, quickly, while you are here! Speaking of which - the legal bordellos are located about 45-60 minutes drive west of The Strip - so not sure if that would be something you are interested in doing - but at any rate - thank you so much for that amazing offer, and keep us posted! ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572/40 "2013-01-27T21:15:00Z")
I just watched a video of that tower jump. It didn’t look like much. What’s really needed is a zip line to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to go along with that glass balcony. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-jump-off-the-stratosphere-tower-in-las-vegas-plus-a-gambling-question/647572.md?page=3)