The Razzle Dazzle Scam - James Grime from Numberphile

* Correction: the "actual count" at 11:41 should be 29, the bet doubling score.

"Razzle Dazzle," also known as "Play Football," "Auto Races," "Double-Up," or "Bolero" is a complete scam disguised as a game of chance. Not only is it illegal in the United States, it's virtually impossible to win. Dr. James Grime from Numberphile and SingingBanana demonstrates this carnival scam as well as a slightly-more-fair version you can play with just dice.

Thanks to Dr. James Grime for joining us! Check him out at:

Data and information sources for this video:
"Probabilities of Winning a Certain Carnival Game" - Donald A. Berry and Ronald R. Regal (The American Statistician, November 1978)

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This video made by:
Brian Brushwood
Brandt Hughes
Bryce Castillo
John Rael
Annaliese Martin

#CarnivalScams #RazzleDazzle #ScamNation

[scamschool]

Think counting is all there is to this illegal scam? Watch the second half to see why even a fair game is nearly impossible!
Did the count fool you?

[godtiermtg]

I thought I was going crazy when he kept miscounting.

[antivanti]

I caught the miscounts but figured he was looking at the wrong side of the marble... until Brian got into his losing streak. Cheeky, Mr Grimes!

[Varstahl]

For being a mathematician he sure has troubles with single digit additions… HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!

[geoffhazel]

If you were a player, and noticed him miscounting, but you WON, would you even mention it? I bet many people wouldn't. And he only needs to miscount to help you win and hook you in. Once you're hooked, the game will finish you off.

[valderhide]

I was adding up with James and I was thinking the math wasn't right

[crazygamer]

My D&D group is going to hate me after tomorrow night. I'm going to set up in the corner of a tavern and make so much gold.

[PeterJavi]

On video, this scam becomes really easy to spot, especially because we have a top-down view and no money into the game. In real life, with your own money involved and a less than ideal view, I reckon it's almost impossible to spot if you're not aware of the probability ahead of time

[harrychacksfield]

Honestly, I noticed a dodgy count the moment Brian won. He won points though, so I guessed I just miscounted.



Damn. I feel scammed.

[cristiancrosse]

Damn now I can legitimize the joke, ” a mathematician and a magician walk into a bar”

[airkami]

I can say as a viewer, I had the advantage to be able to see you were miscounting, but unless a person is looking for the indicators that they are being scammed, it is very easy to miss. One time when I was a cashier two people tried to scam me through asking for change and distracting me from a distance. Once I knew I had handed the person exact change and he asked to change another big bill to smaller ones while his partner was yelling for me from a distance to distract me, I knew what was going on and right then was my chance to stop it. I slammed my drawer shut and told the scammer the truth. That's your change, I know it's 100% right, and the drawer won't open again without my manager.

He starts throwing a fit. My manager walks over, opens my drawer hands him a $20 and writes me up for my drawer being under balance by $20. Not the worst manager I've had, but I definitely was not happy that I got punished for them being scammed and not believing that I counted exact change.

[chrisdempsey]

"It's not much... "


*"It's $400."*

[ZoeWolf]

for the dice version you could always swap in weighted dice every once in a while to replace the miscounting.

[wolfelkan]

And even if you notice that he's counting wrong, you're probably not going to say anything about it, because hey, it's an error in your favor!

[andymcl]

EXCELLENT collab! Now we just need one with Matt Parker :)

[jerry]

Just walk in with 10^100 dollars and get a free tv!

[ShadowlandsProd]

Marvel: Avengers Infinity War is the most ambitious crossover...


Scam Nation:

[JohnnyLobes]

Ive seen them playing this game on the show floor of a comic book convention in Vegas. Cops and gaming commission came in and arrested them.

[dudeeee]

Every time I see a recent video with Brian Bushwood I always thank Jesus that he got rid of those spiked tips.

[micahphilson]

This is such a random collab, these are two people I never would have expected to see in the same room, but it's awesome to be able to! James is my favorite Numberphile presenter!