Catalin's iGaming Credentials
| 20+years in gambling mathematics | 14 books published | PhD in Philosophy of Science | Industry & responsible gambling advisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Researching and writing on the maths of games of chance for over two decades | 10 on gambling mathematics, from slots and roulette to poker and lottery | University of Bucharest, 2017, building on an MSc in Mathematics | Consults gambling operators and problem-gambling organisations on the maths of games of chance |
Catalin's Experience
PhilScience Gambling Lab
Casino Writer
Researcher and Games Mathematician
2019–Present
Catalin conducts academic research and research-based projects in the fields of applied mathematics, problem gambling, and responsible gambling.
Gambling Consultant and Expert
2012–Present
Catalin advises the gaming industry and problem-gambling institutions on the mathematical aspects of games of chance (He collaborated with the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic of University of Sydney for the implementation of a gambling-math cognitive scheme in their clinical practices). He also provides gaming-maths expert reviews and certification for gambling websites.
Catalin’s Education and Qualifications
University of Bucharest
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD (Summa cum laudae), Philosophy of Science
2014 – 2017
University of Bucharest - Department of Mathematics
Master of Science - MS, Mathematical Statistics and Probability Theory
1991 – 1992
University of Bucharest - Department of Mathematics
Bachelor of Science - BS, Pure Mathematics
1986 – 1991
Published Books and Research
- Understanding Your Game: A Mathematician's Advice for Rational and Safe Gambling (PhilScience Press, 2022)
- The Mathematics of Slots: Configurations, Combinations, Probabilities
- The Mathematics of Lottery: Odds, Combinations, Systems, mentioned in The Washington Post
- Probability Guide to Gambling: The Mathematics of Dice, Slots, Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Lottery and Sport Bets
- Roulette Odds and Profits: The Mathematics of Complex Bets
- Texas Hold'em Odds and Draw Poker Odds: The Mathematics of Classical Poker
Selected peer-reviewed research
- Non-mathematical dimensions of randomness: Implications for problem gambling, Journal of Gambling Issues, 2024
- Is the secrecy of the parametric configuration of slot machines rationally justified? The exposure of the mathematical facts of games of chance as an ethical obligation, Journal of Gambling Issues, 2014
- The epistemology of the near miss and its potential contribution in the prevention and treatment of problem-gambling, Journal of Gambling Studies, 2019.
What Catalin Looks at
Catalin brings a mathematician's perspective to our guides. His contributions explain the statistics behind games and offers, and help players read gambling terms correctly. Topics he covers include:
- Game mathematics and probability
- Gambling statistics and how to interpret them
- Common gambling misconceptions
- Bonuses and promotions
- Responsible gambling
Our Editorial Standards
- Editorial policy
- How we rank casinos
- Responsible gambling
- 18+ Play Responsibly
Why Trust Catalin Barboianu?
Catalin is a mathematician and published researcher who studies how players understand, and misunderstand, the odds. His books on gambling mathematics and his peer-reviewed work on randomness and problem gambling give him an independent view of how games really work.
He does not review or rank casinos for Mr. Gamble; his role is to contribute expert insight on the maths of gambling, plainly and accurately. Throughout his career, his work has focused on helping players better understand the games they play.
Knowing the basic math behind the games is a prerequisite for making informed decisions and playing safely. Yet many misconceptions and fallacies in problem gambling stem from placing too much trust in mathematics when applying it to real-world gambling, since probability can be a tricky concept for those unfamiliar with it.