The tavern is definitely a rigged game. Nobody can be that unlucky. If a gold card shows up in the 3rd spot. You can pick the same spot and it is always moves one spot left or right. On the very rare occasion that it lets you actually win it is always a lower value card.
The same holds true for guild chests. You always win either coins, stamina, or level 1 jewels. Never any of the more valuable prizes.
The game should be fair and balanced for all players not just the big spenders.