Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John,

I go to an Indian reservation in California to gamble, and this is my dilemma. They have Jacks or Better machines that come in only two categories: $1 9/6 machines or .25¢ 8/5 machines with a progression. The $1 machine gives better odds, but there is no progression, and $1 is a bit much for me to afford. Which machine should I play?

Sincerely,
Vladimir

P.S. Could you guys please write a little more about Indian Casinos? It seems there are few articles about them on the web, especially the ones in California.

Dear Vladimir:

You've answered your own question. Play the quarter machines.

Bankroll is one of the most important aspects of gambling. It doesn't matter how good a game is if a short cold streak can wipe out your bankroll.

Also keep in mind that the royal on the 8/5 machine will frequently not require a tax form. And, because of the progressive, the 8/5 machines may at times have a higher long-term payback than the 9/6 machines and they may even pay back more than 100% if the progressive gets high enough.

We'll try to have more articles about Indian casinos in the future. The passage of Proposition 1A in California is the most significant event in gambling since New Jersey approved casino gambling in Atlantic City over 20 years ago.

We have articles by Catherine Poe, who travels around the country visiting cities that have many other things to do besides casino gambling. She frequently visits Indian casinos. And Tahoe-based Star Brooks' column on 7/28/00 was about her venture into the Golden State to check out how Prop 1A has changed an Indian casino she had visited in the past.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@home.com.

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