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John Grochowski Gaming Guru - Page 85  Bonehead plays14 September 2014
QUESTION: I know you collect stories about unusual things that happen in casinos, and I have a couple for you. They’re a little embarrassing, since they’re about my own mistakes, but at least they’ve taught me to pay attention. So here goes. I usually play dollar video poker but occasionally I go into the high-limit area and play one coin on a $5 machine. ... (read more)
How to find slots statistics11 September 2014
If you play slots, you’ve probably seen statistics comparing slot machine paybacks at different casinos. Many state gaming boards release such statistics to the public each month. For example, New Jersey reports are posted at http://www.nj.gov/lps/ge/mgrtaxreturns.html and Nevada at http://www.nj.gov/lps/ge/mgrtaxreturns.html. ... (read more)
Slots and video poker payouts7 September 2014
QUESTION: My mom showed me something you wrote that said video poker games that have the same pay tables have the same odds, regardless of whether they’re quarters, dollars or anything else. Does the same go for slot machines? I get that you can’t tell exactly what the payback is, but if you look at how much ... (read more)
When to play progressive video poker4 September 2014
One of the decisions video poker players have to confront is when to play a progressive machine. The starting point is doing a quick calculation of expected returns, if you know the games and are up for a little arithmetic. On most video poker games, royals account for about 2 percent of the overall return. ... (read more)
The importance of speed at video poker31 August 2014
QUESTION: Playing video poker the other night, I noticed something. One, the guy on my left was playing VERY fast. It seemed like by the time I made a draw, he was three hands down the road. Is there any advantage to that? How fast can you play? ANSWER: Fast play is to the advantage of whoever has the mathematical edge on the game. ... (read more)
Gaming mergers28 August 2014
Casino players have gotten used to mergers bringing former fierce competitors under the same corporate umbrella. Caesars, Harrah’s and Bally’s all live happily under the Caesars Entertainment umbrella nowadays. When game manufacturers start merging, it’s not as immediately noticeable to the gambling public. ... (read more)
Video doubling and keno methods24 August 2014
QUESTION: I like to double up every once in a while in video poker. Some casino properties turn on this mode for players, others do not even offer the option. So, when I hit “double up,” five cards come up, with the first card turn right side up as the dealer’s card. Presumably I now have four choices of cards to choose from. ... (read more)
Bonus events equal entertainment21 August 2014
Video slots are all about entertainment, and much of the entertainment value comes in bonus events. Whether we’re talking about a spin of a prize wheel, a second-screen pick’em event or bankroll-building free spins, the bonuses are the moments players eagerly anticipate. But most of the time, we’re watching the video reels spin. ... (read more)
That lovely RNG and Spin Poker17 August 2014
QUESTION: Can random number generators in video keno be programmed not to hit certain numbers, or at least not as often? A example could all numbers under 12 –- the month numbers -- considering many folks play birthdays and that would stop them from winning as often or as much? ANSWER: Not legally. ... (read more)
The good old days14 August 2014
In the modern world of slots and video poker, I’ve come to really like ticket in, ticket out payouts. There’s no waiting for coin jams or hopper fills, and my hands don’t look like I’ve been making mud pies after handling a few rolls of quarters. Friends have had buckets of quarters and dollar tokens stolen while they play, but none has reported a ticket theft. ... (read more)
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