Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John,

We are planning to go to Las Vegas sometime this year and wondered if you could advise us as to which casino would be a good place to start in playing the slots?

We have played the Lock and Roll slots here in North Carolina (that is the only type they have here in Cherokee). But we have no idea where would be a likely place to start that we might win some money. We have heard that Sam's Town is good.

Any advice or tips would certainly be appreciated!

Thanks,
Jean

Dear Jean:

It's true that the slot paybacks where the locals play tend to be higher than those at casinos that cater mainly to tourists. That means you have to leave the strip to find the highest paybacks. Sam's Town is a good choice, as is The Reserve in Henderson, The Orleans, Suncoast, and the Station casinos.

One problem with being off the strip is that you'll either have to rent a car or spend a lot of money or time or both taking a cab or shuttle to your hotel. Most of the off-strip casinos aren't near any other tourist attractions, so you'll be stuck at the hotel. If you're not planning to rent a car, then I would recommend staying at one of the Station casinos that has a movie theater. I like Sunset Station.

You can also consider staying downtown. It's easier (and cheaper) to get there than the other off-strip casinos and everything is in walking distance. I like the Golden Nugget downtown.

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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