I am looking for the physics equations needed to predict the landing
spot of the ball on a roulette wheel.  My understanding is that two
equations, one for the ball and one for the wheel, can predict the
likely area where the ball will stop.  The parameters in these
equations might include the initial velocity, mass and size of the
ball, the shape and roughness of the track, and the tilt of the wheel.
Given rough values for these parameters, explain how one would
predict the approximate landing spot of the ball from the results of
the equations.

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Request for Question Clarification by hedgie-ga on 06 Dec 2004 22:43 PST

Would you accept as an answer the explanation 
(with links to  additional material) of
'why it is not possible' ?

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Clarification of Question by applejack77-ga on 07 Dec 2004 07:30 PST

I won't accept an answer of "it is not possible", unless the argument
is very convincing and explains why the techniques described in the
links below will not work.

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994815
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2483/is_2_25/ai_n6098009

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Request for Question Clarification by hedgie-ga on 07 Dec 2004 08:01 PST

applejack77-ga

  What is described in the articles differs from what I got
 from  your question (before clarification).

   Difference is in what numbers you can use; that is, what measurements
   you are allowed to make.

   If you are allowed to measure the speed of the wheel AFTER the  dealer
   lets go, you know more then just the INITIAL velocity. 
    Obviously, the longer you can measure, the closer your last
measurement is   to the stopping time, the beter your prediction of
the outcome may be.

 (Of course, you are not allowed to measure the ball when wheel is spinning,
 at least not by the laws of the casino)..  
 
 This question is open to all.
 I do not have time (nor  inclination) to research this. 


hedgie

Hello applejack77-ga,

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Ritz-casino-stung-by-laserguided-scam/2004/12/06/1102182227598.html?oneclick=true
Ritz casino stung by laser-guided scam


It looks like someone who had a great answer to this reaped huge rewards. :-))

~ czh ~

It's interesting to note the number of times the word "alleged" is
used in articles about that "scam".

Ian G.

Hello Applejack77,

Not an answer, but perhaps a lead to the necessary measurements or
method to determine an answer. I suggest you read
  The Eudaemonic Pie
  Thomas Bass
  ISBN 0-394-74310-5
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0595142362?v=glance
which describes a shoe mounted computer / tapping system built in the
mid 1970's that was able to predict the roulette wheel / ball motion
to a relatively narrow section (about 1/6th of the wheel). There are
several good book reviews if you want the information before trying to
buy the book (may be out of print). Search for
  Eudaemonic Pie
for several good references.

  --Maniac

All the physics equations needed are in physics books.  They are quite
basic.  Without the ability to use that information you should instead
rephrase the question to  "How can I win at roulette?".  That would be
more straightforward.  Or if you wanted some clues you could ask, how
long will a ball with x force applied roll in a vacuum and start from
there.  The first answer is forever, enjoy the journey.  If you make
it to the end maybe you'll win at roulette.

Hi applejack,

You may also want to try researching Edward Thorpe, Doyne Farmer and
Normal Packard, the main brains behind the system described in The
Eudaemonic Pie.

Emjay-ga