Slot Advice

Dear Frank:

Hello, my name is Mitch and I just got done listening to you on the Matt and Huggy radio show. I didn't get a chance to call in and ask a question so I looked up your e-mail address on your website.

I live in Delaware so there are no casinos that are close to me, but there are two horse tracks that have slots, Dover Downs and Delaware Park.

I wanted to get some information about playing slot machines. I know that the odds of winning in slot play are slim to none, but I always see these people watching others play and as soon as they leave the machine these people jump right on it and sometimes they win. I want to know what they are looking and waiting for.

Also, are there certain slots that win more than others? Finally, is there anything on a slot machine that hints that it will hit soon? I would like to get an edge as much as I can. If you could write me back that would be great. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Mitch

Dear Mitch:

I hope you enjoyed the radio show. I enjoy doing the Matt and Huggy show quite a bit. Now to your questions.

The odds of winning at slots are not exactly slim and none - they are merely slim. Over time they are just about none except for those lucky few who have won the giant, life-changing jackpots - which are around 50 million to one in terms of the odds.

There is no way to predict when a machine will pay off and those people standing around just have some eccentric theory that has no basis in reality. The machines are random and the symbols that come up are strictly based on what the RNG has picked out. The RNG is the random number generator, which selects a series of numbers that will correspond to the symbols on the reels. This RNG is choosing sequences even when the machine is not being played. When you hit the spin button, you merely learn what the RNG has already picked for you. The actual spinning of the reels is entertainment, nothing more.

The worst slots to play are the mega-progressives that have jackpots in the millions and tens of millions. The house edge on these comes in around 15 percent, give or take, which means for every $100 you wager in them, your expectation is to lose $15. That's a giant hit.

The best slots to play are the "stand alone" models that do not have linked progressive jackpots. Pick out a three reeler and only play one coin. Even though the jackpot line gives you a slightly bigger win for playing maximum coin, the impact on the house edge is really negligible. What you are really doing is throwing three times as much money into the belly of the beast.

I recommend that you get my book Break the One-Armed Bandits! by calling Golden Touch at 1-800-944-0406 or by going to Amazon.com and ordering through them.

For your excellent letter, I am giving you a free week on my private, members-only web site at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members and I think you will find the discussions lively, educational, and fun.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete