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John Grochowski Gaming Guru - Page 132  2008 Global Gaming Expo, part 56 January 2009
Multiple-game slot machines have been with us since 1992, when Bally Gaming introduced one of the casino industry's most important innovations: the Bally Game Maker.
At the touch of a button, players could change from game to game on a video screen, all while sitting at the same console. A three-reel ... (read more)
2008 Global Gaming Expo, part 430 December 2008
Developing technology has become a crucial element in the slot machine industry, but the technology itself is just a first step. Applying that technology in developing games and systems that will keep slot players in their seats, well, that's both science and art.
Two of the nation's leading slotmakers, ... (read more)
2008 Global Gaming Expo, part 323 December 2008
When it comes to community-style gaming, everyone seems to have a different idea of just how to make slot machines a more social experience.
In launching its Community Gaming product line a couple of years ago, WMS Gaming went for a "we're all in this together" approach, with all players going to a bonus event together, all rooting for the same outcome. ... (read more)
2008 Global Gaming Expo, part 216 December 2008
Among the things that make slot machines go, volatility is one of the most important.
If a game that had its odds and pay tables set to return an average of 93% of money played ALWAYS returned 93%, no one would ever play. Why play a game that you know is going to keep 7% of your wagers time after time after time?
That's not what really happens, of course. ... (read more)
2008 Global Gaming Expo, part 19 December 2008
The Global Gaming Expo has been a must on my yearly calendar ever since its inception in 2001. The American Gaming Association's annual trade show, which had its 2008 run Nov. 17-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, has full days of conferences as well as a display floor of slotmakers, table games ... (read more)
A shuffle through the gaming mailbag2 December 2008
Q. I had something happen to me in Las Vegas that I found unusual. My wife and I go three or four times a year and play $5 slots. My reservations were made through my host, with room comped in advance.
When I got settled in, I sat down to play a $5 Double Diamond machine, and within 15 minutes a different host came up to me and called me by name. ... (read more)
Action on Illinois' inactive casino license25 November 2008
No one can ever say the state of Illinois can be rushed on casino matters.
Since the Silver Eagle in East Dubuque closed its doors in 1997, leaving one of the state's 10 casino licenses inactive, cruising requirements have been dropped in the riverboat states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri and an ... (read more)
Demystifying the house edge18 November 2008
The house edge remains a mysterious thing to casino players, including the one who asked me recently about roulette.
"Does a 5.26% house edge mean the house wins 52.6% of all spins?"
That wouldn't be a bad guess if every wager paid even money, and the house edge was made up entirely of the difference between the frequency of house wins and the frequency of player wins. ... (read more)
Casino games of skill11 November 2008
All casino games are games of chance, but a select few incorporate elements of skill. Blackjack has strong elements of skill, leaving a game that can be beaten by experts. There are weaker elements of skill in card games such as Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride and Three Card Poker.
Among electronic games, ... (read more)
The jackpot dance and other rituals4 November 2008
The first time my brother and I ever played video poker together, he took me by surprise.
Our dad was with us, and we were having family time, sharing the same game. The same player would make the draws until he drew a losing hand, then the next would take over.
It was my turn to play, and I was dealt three aces. ... (read more)
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