Ask The Slot Expert

Dear Slot Expert,

I try to read all I can on video poker but one thing I have a problem with is: How long and how much money is required to hit a royal flush (worst case)? From what I have read about strategies, it can be expensive and time consuming. For a one day trip, what is the best way to approach video poker?

While I'm at it, they have only slots at the Charles Town Horse track in West Virginia. I plan to go but wonder about the payoffs compared to Atlantic city. I would think that the odds on winning would be less than at the big casinos. Any feedback on this?

Thanks,
Ray

Dear Ray,

The worst case for how much money is required to hit a royal flush is all the money in the world and then some. It's possible that even a video poker player with unlimited time and money will never hit a royal flush.

That's the worst case. The average case is one royal in about every 40,000 hands. And the average bankroll required is 4000 to 5000 units ($1000 to $1250 for quarters, $4000 to $5000 for dollars) to keep you going between royals. Jean Scott, the Queen of Comps and author of The Frugal Gambler, recommends about 4000 units for a video poker bankroll, too.

Your reading all you can about video poker shows that you already know the best way to play. Find the best paytables available and play those games with the best strategy.

I don't know anything specifically about the paybacks on the slots in West Virginia. In general, though, casinos with little or no competition tend to have slots that pay back less than casinos with fierce competition. Keep in mind that it takes 100,000 or so spins for a few percent change in payback to have a greater effect on your results than randomness. In other words, you might win or lose just as much money even if the machines had higher paybacks.

Best of luck in the casinos!
John Robison
Slot Expert

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

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