Bonus Jackpots Keep Slot Players Happy at Four Winds

Bonus slot jackpots funded by a percentage of money that players collectively wager on the machines is a great way for casino goers to reap what amounts to incentive cash rewards.

Station Casinos in Nevada introduced the concept a number of years ago at its properties in Las Vegas and elsewhere with something called "Jumbo Jackpots".

Four Winds Casino Resort took the concept to new heights in this market when it opened two years ago and introduced W Club Jackpots, a computer-generated program that randomly awards guests on the spot just for playing while using their club card inserted in the machine.

Each month, the New Buffalo, Michigan property typically awards well over $100,000 in bonus progressive jackpots via Windfall jackpots (which must hit by $100,000), Medium jackpots (which must hit by $20,000), and Small jackpots (which must hit by $500).

Last month, for example, more than $123,000 in cash was awarded to 177 of the property's W Club Members, including three players who won the Medium Jackpot and 67 players who won the Small Jackpot.

The success of the promotion prompted the casino to expand the program earlier this year by creating Dollar Downpour Jackpots and Reigning Quarter Jackpots.

Whereas W Club Jackpots are linked to every machine on the Four Winds floor, the additions are dedicated systems linked to specific machines: Forty dollar games and forty quarter games each presented in four banks of 10 units.

"The proximity of the machines adds excitement because players can see one another and be right there when the progressive jackpot is hit," explained Frank Kennedy, vice president of slot operations at Four Winds.

When the computer program randomly generates a jackpot, the winner's machine lights up and locks down. Overhead electronic signage adds to the celebration.

Dollar Downpour jackpots start at $500 and must hit by $1,200. Reigning Quarter Jackpots start at $250 and must hit by $500. As is the case with W Club Jackpots, the progressives are funded by a percentage of every coin that is wagered.

The new dedicated machines are also eligible to hit W Club Jackpot awards.

Last month 23 W Club members took home a Dollar Downpour Jackpot while 84 players won a Reigning Quarters Jackpot.

The casino even has a great ongoing promotion for guests who sign up for first time membership in the W Club. Four Winds will cover 25 percent of slot losses, up to a $400 rebate, for the first week of play concluding at the end of Sunday's gaming day.

The rebates are loaded into the player's W Club account as instant credit/free slot play, which can be utilized immediately once the eligible guest is notified.

Four Winds also knows how to keep table games players happy. The casino holds a very popular blackjack tournament the first Tuesday of every month. There's no entry fee, and the buy-in is only $60. All of the buy-ins go into the prize pool, which means that based on a full tournament the top finishers share in more than $7,500 cash.

Registration starts at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the day of the tournament, but seats are limited. Visit the blackjack table games area at Four Winds for complete details.