Gambling (skill)

Gambling is a skill in Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics.

Fallout
$$\text{Initial level}\%=20+(3\times\text{Luck})$$

Example: A starting Luck of 5: $$20+(3\times5)=35\%$$

Fallout 2
$$\text{Initial level}\%=5\times\text{Luck}$$

Example: A starting Luck of 5: $$5\times5=25\%$$

Description
This skill increases the odds of winning at roulette, slots, or "Mole-Rat Mambo." With a high skill level, gambling allows one to earn a considerable amount of money and serves as an alternative to the Barter skill.

The Maltese Falcon inside the Hub of the original Fallout has a roulette table; by speaking to the man with metal armor, the gambling game can be played. Dialogue options 1 through 3 show how much can be bet on a game. An absolute minimum to get any profit is 60%. At 100% gambling becomes a profitable skill. Additionally, slots can be played in Gizmo's Casino located in Junktown.

In Fallout 2, the skill can be used on any slot or at gambling tables, except games of craps. An example where this can be played is the Den. Dialogue options 1-5 correspond to different betting amounts (5,15,25,50,100). By 80%, one can bet $5 and win consistently. Betting at $50 requires at least 120%.

In Fallout Tactics, at least without the patch, just the Warrior will be able to gamble. The process is also bugged: it is possible to offer nothing for all, then hit the gambling button rapidly. Victory is granted within 10 seconds, even with 30%. This can be exploited at the bunkers, while gambling with the quartermaster, and selling his items back. This skill can be increased with the Gambler perk, which adds 20% to the Gambling skill.