Speed, time shares and slot free play

12 May 2015

By Frank Scoblete

FROM ANDY: I have never played mini-baccarat in my life, but I've watched it often. You say it is an extremely fast game. What I have observed is that the Asians (the majority of players) are incredibly slow at placing their bets, and that it is an extremely slow game. Just putting my two cents out there.

FRANK RESPONDS: You may be right about some players taking their time to decide what to wager on. The general rule of thumb is 150 rounds an hour, as opposed to about 40 for “big” baccarat in the high roller rooms. If the players can slow the game in half, giving 75 decisions, you will lose more decisions than at “big” baccarat, but you’d certainly improve your chances in mini-baccarat. Many baccarat players are superstitious and do overthink their decisions.

I am sending you a free copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”


FROM SUSAN: I wanted to express my concern for the latest incarnation of the Las Vegas Hilton, now the Westgate. We love to go to the sportsbook there. During football and basketball, there is always a lot of action and it's one of our favorite places. They have playable video poker and a lounge area that has featured games. During March madness, they set up the theater for watching multiple games at once.

The problem with the Westgate is that now when you come in, you must run the gantlet past multiple time-share salespeople. They are in about three areas in groups on the path between the parking garage and the casino.

The Hilton has had a rocky history trying to stay afloat over the years. I am afraid that this shark tank people have to get through will ruin what’s left of this property.

FRANK RESPONDS: I know those time-share people; they are as relentless as piranha. I once went to one pitch to see what it was all about, and the salesman was strong-arming my wife, the Beautiful AP, and me after a while. “Why don’t you want to buy this? You already said it was a good deal. Don’t lie to me.” We finally got up and walked out.

As for the Hilton, I always loved that place. The sportsbook was a great place, as you say. I played blackjack at the Hilton all the time when it had great games. I used to play at the tables with James Brown and Tommy Morrison. Brown sweated as much playing blackjack as he did when he sang. A really nice guy; Morrison too.

For your e-mail, I am sending you a copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”


FROM TED: I had a similar situation, although not as drastic as Bill's, with the "stolen" ticket. Bill left the ticket in the machine and someone picked it up.

Well, I was playing my “free play” on a machine at Mountaineer Racetrack. I happened to hit for $120 on my $20 free play. So, I cashed my ticket. When I got to my next destination of machines, I noticed my ticket was for less than the $120 as the machine kept the remaining free play on the machine I was playing.

When I went back to the machine it was already played by someone and no one was sitting there. I always check my ticket and the machine to make sure all is correct before leaving. I learned my lesson, although it was only a small amount.

FRANK RESPONDS: It might be that the $20 is considered part of the payout? Either that or the machine screwed up or someone was able to come after you and cash out the free play. Any of those things can happen.

There are “professionals” who tour the slot floors looking for credits on machines to cash out. Some even work in pairs to actually steal payouts when the slot player is distracted by one of them talking on the side away from the payout area.

In the old days, when coins were used on all machines, these individuals were called “silver surfers” (just like Marvel Comics’ Silver Surfer). The old days might be over, but the low end of humanity is still with us, searching for our silver.

For your e-mail, I am sending you a copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”

Frank’s new book is “I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps.” If you'd like to contact Frank, his e-mail is fscobe@optonline.net.