Intermittent reinforcement is a psychological concept that Chekov is familiar enough with to be wary of gambling. (It's also an idea that stems from conditioning and conditioning was famously described by a Russian, so of course he would be familiar with it.) Meyer is also very clever; he is undoubtedly going to be watching his profits so he can adjust the odds. Pay out just enough to give customers the illusion that they have a decent chance, but seldom enough to maximize money gained.

It's all quite interesting, statistically and psychologically speaking.

Chekov downs his drink and declines a second. "And you should be flattered. I have also chosen to be here over being with Lucy." He's hesitant to call her his girlfriend due to her fear of commitment, but Meyer should get the point. "What is the expression? Something about absence and the heart. I'm operating upon that principle."