Sigh...
I haven't read the whole thread, just the last few pages. As someone who's spent a LOT of time in the gambling environment, I'd thought I'd share some of my thoughts FWIW.
No system works. At least not in blackjack or other table games against the house. Card counting used to. Now it's near impossible to find a room that doesn't use multiple deck shoes that are changed often.
Knowing when to quit makes one assumption, that at some point you will be ahead. That doesn't always happen, it's just as likely to start out losing as it is winning. But you say what if you have deep pockets? Doesn't matter, that's the same as saying you'll never lose if you go double or nothing on every bet with bottomless pockets. Simply foolish. Don't believe me, just go to google and lookup double or nothing and sheik. Cost him a bit of cash. 8-)
If you want to "gamble" with a chance of winning, then do it in areas that require skill. Poker, pari-mutual betting (horses, dogs), coin tossing, etc.
With those, you are playing an adversary and the house makes out by taking their cut. Winning with the ponies is easy since you a betting against tourists and folks out for a good time and have no idea what the h3ll they are doing. Unfortunately it requires dedication, skill and time to educate yourself. Hmm... sounds like a real job, doesn't it? That's why few bother.
Playing against the house for profit is a losers game. Playing against the house, fully expecting not to win in the long run, but to occasionally come away with a profit, can be great fun for those so inclined.
