Not random, fine eating and the "imaginary line"

14 May 2013

By Frank Scoblete

FROM LAWRENCE: In reference to reader Pat who e-mailed with an inquiry about the randomness of electronic craps games, I don't think that you answered the letter. Are these games in fact random at a racino (let's take NY for the example) where we know that the video poker is in fact not.

I was at the racino at Aqueduct (yes, we are neighbors, I stay in Valley Stream most of the time. Don't you love the cake at the Malverne Pastry Shop and have you eaten at Il Villagio?). Anyway at Aqueduct they have electronic Craps and Baccarat. One employee told me that although the VP and slots are not, the baccarat is in fact random.

She also told me that when the racino first opened many players tracked the hand results to ascertain if in fact this was a random game. That’s why she went on to explain it is so hard to find a vacant seat at these games.

I can't comment on the electronic Craps. However, can the Baccarat be random and still be a legal game under NYS law ?

FRANK’S REPONSE: All the electronic games are random. The video poker still simulates a 52 or 53 card deck and the cards are “shuffled” and they come out just as cards would in a real, flesh and blood game. If not, players would be able to get the edge by monitoring the machines. Aqueduct would close instead of being the wealthiest casino in the country in terms of slot wins.

The same would hold true for craps and baccarat. The craps game would simulate all the possible rolls of two six-sided dice with the exact probabilities they have at a normal table. The same hold true for baccarat. It would be based on six or eight decks and the simulation would be the same as a real baccarat game.

I am not sure why the dealer said the slot machines and video poker were not random. Maybe she confused a limited number of possible symbols with the game not being random.

Anyway to the more important area of your letter. I love the Malverne Pastry Shop. I think it is the best I have ever sampled – and I have sampled a ton of their food which has, unfortunately, added a ton of weight to me. There is a reason why the lines sometimes stretch outside the door. Yummy!

My favorite gourmet restaurant out of all the restaurants I go to on Long Island is Il Villagio in Malverne. Antonio Bove and Marco Troiano have created a delight here. Louis and Franco are two truly professional and friendly waiters and the staff is top notch. My wife the Beautiful A.P. and I have at times eaten there three or four nights a week when I am not traveling. You should also give the new restaurant Taverna a try. Another gem! It’s on the southern end of town where the old Cork and Board used to be, just a few stores from the Pastry Shop. That one is owned by Antonio Bove. Fabulous food; great atmosphere and decor created by Carol who also serves as the maitre d’ – another great place to love in Malverne.

I think Antonio Bove has given Malverne the best Italian food on the Island and it is all in a half mile strip on Hempstead Ave with Il Villagio on the northern end, Taverna on the southern end and his Italian deli smack in the center.

While the games at Aqueduct are random; there is no randomness in these food establishments. They are born from fine skill and a love of great cooking.


FROM PETER: First of all, thank you for all the advice you give and your books are great! My question is this:

A co-worker just came back from Aruba. While playing craps at one of the casinos, he had $100 on the Pass Line. A seven was rolled on the come out and the dealer called "No bet" and would not pay him. When asked why, he was advised that he had crossed "The Imaginary Line."

My co-worker maintained he was not near the table, chips or bets in any way that would affect the play. When he repeatedly asked for a definition, all they would respond was "You crossed the Imaginary Line." Ultimately, after heated discussions, they did pay, but the question remains, what is "The Imaginary Line"?

Thank you for your help and time.

FRANK’S RESPONSE: They must be using some powerful drugs in Aruba. I never heard of an imaginary line. I do know that some casinos don’t want shooters to allow their arms to go across the center proposition bets because that could block the stickman’s need to see the dice and all the proposition bets. An arm going across the middle of the table can block him. But that is no “imaginary line”; it is the real center of the table.

But an imaginary line during the come-out roll? Where the heck is that supposed to be? Not paying someone when the shooter rolls a seven? Ridiculous. I am glad your friend was able to collect his bet. Next time, skip this casino and play where there are no imaginary lines.

Readers: If I publish one of your letters or comments I will send you a free copy of my new book “The Virgin Kiss.” My latest book is “Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Pai Gow Poker.” Visit my website at www.frankscoblete.com.