Which pay better in New York: Indian casinos or racinos?

Frank:

I have a bet going on this question. I live in New York state. As you know gas is a big problem with gamblers. I myself like to play slots. To go to AC now is out of the question because of the price of gas.

Racinos are a big thing now in New York state; they are run by the NYS lottery. The casinos that are in NY are Indian casinos, which brings me to my question. Indian casinos do not have to report the percentage of payback of video machines, etc., because they are under no obligation to make this information public.

The racinos are run by the state and they do not report payback percentage either. So I would like your opinion on which is tighter, the Indian casinos or the racinos? I say the racinos would pay back better because the money is going into NYS and they want you to gamble at the racinos. This way you win maybe and the state profits.

My friend says just the opposite. She says playing at the Indian casinos is much better period in everything from comps to payback. I hope I am right cause I sure would like a juicy steak.

Thanks,
Donna

Dear Donna:

My answer is simple: I don't know. The "state" doesn't give you much of a break on its lottery tickets, which come in with high house edges. So I am not sure what kind of an edge they are taking from the machines. I am guessing a little less since you can play these things all night long, putting in far more money than you would at the lottery.

Indian casinos are not always 100% free. If they made a compact with the state about having slot machines, there may be some guidelines they must follow. You could probably get these from a reference librarian in your area. You'd be surprised how much information a librarian can get for you.

I think you and your friend should go out to dinner . . . dutch.

For your great letter, I am giving you a free 10-day subscription to my private, members-only website at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members on this site and the conversations are informative, interesting and fun. Enjoy!

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete