Gaming Gurus: LatestFrom Our Strategy Experts

Have Fun with Slots

With rare exceptions such as skill-based games, slot machines are not games of strategy.Winning on the slots is a matter of chance -- being in the right place at the right time.That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan of attack. Think about these points when you prepare for a slot outing.CONSERVE BANKROLL TO STAY IN ACTION How much money are you willing to put at risk?Consider your playing money as funds from an entertainment budget...read more

Norman's Good Times in Las Vegas

Norman writes:Hi Jerry, I was in Vegas the first week of March and you are right about things becoming more expensive.I also noticed the disappearance of favorable odds and pay tables in a couple of the casinos. As one example, I have gone to Ellis Island for a lot of years for one evening to enjoy their barbecue ribs and play 8/5 bonus poker...read more

Casino City’s Friday Five: Fourth of July, WSOP and sportsbooks edition

Here in the U.S., we are gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations and Las Vegas is no different. Sin City will be home to a wide array of entertainment and party opportunities. Before we look at some of those events, we’ll delve into Gaming and Leisure Properties acquiring property assets of two Rhode Island casinos, interesting news from the Las Vegas Strip, a massive seven-figure win at the World Series of Poker and a Las Vegas sportsbook reopening with a fresh look.Let’s begin with some the big news from Bally’s:5...read more

Best Blackjack

CINDY: Blackjack is by far the most popular table game in the casino. I’m guessing about 10 percent or so of casino players enjoy the game. I am also guessing that more players play blackjack than all other table games combined. Or at least close to it...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Switching speed, games and machines

Question: In over 30 years of video poker play, I do not remember ever seeing any discussion, etc. regarding pros or cons of switching between speed settings on the same machine during a period of play. Have you? Same question regarding switching from one game to another on the same machine. Same question regarding switching from one machine to another on the same group of machines. P.S...read more

Wrong Thoughts, Right Feelings?

If you read a lot about casino gambling, be it about table games or slot machines or some combination of both, you run across plenty of the true and plenty of the false. Most good writers give you the math and the underpinnings of the games...read more

Top 10 casino openings and expansions for summer 2022

Casinos are always trying to find ways to better improve themselves and attract more guests. Whether it be enhancements, additions, or entirely new properties altogether, these properties are constantly unveiling new options and amenities. Here, we take a look at 10 openings and expansions since our last edition from the spring.10...read more

Odds on Reversible Royals

QUESTION: I have a question about the progressive Reversible Royals video poker machines. I just returned from Vegas and I noticed quite a few of these games in mostly quarter denominations with monster payoffs for the reversible royal. I'm talking about $50,000-$60,000.Are the odds of drawing a reversible royal or being dealt one much greater than the normal 1 in 40 thousand hands? I would imagine with the size of the payouts it has been a really long time before anyone hit one.ANSWER: In Reversible Royals, the usual payback with five credits wagered is 50,000 credits if the royal is on screen in the 10-J-Q-K-A or A-K-Q-J-10...read more

More Questions on Low Pairs versus Inside Straights

Here is a follow-up question to the previous low pair versus inside straight strategy.Thank you, Jerry "Stickman"I have a follow-on question. If it were an outside straight, I was trying for, would it change the decision?Say I was dealt 9, 9,10, J, Q...read more

Casino City’s Friday Five: Sportsbook opening and massive paydays edition

The World Series of Poker continues to roll on and some big winners have been crowned with bracelets, including one from the Millionaire Maker event. Before we get into who won and how much they walked away with, we have some other stories to uncover as well...read more