Does the Number of Coins I Play Affect Where the Reels Stop?

Is it true that on a slot machine that takes up to 3 coins, the random hit is determined by the amount of coins? For example, had I put in 2 coins instead of 3, I might have hit the top sequence? Or doesn't it matter how many coins are put in to where the wheel stops?

The number of coins you play has no influence whatsoever on the probability that any particular winning combination will land on the payline. The probability of landing the jackpot is the same regardless of whether you bet one coin or full coin.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

I frequent casinos and really enjoy playing slot machines. I do have favorites and they are my favorites because I have won! Machines such as "Slam Dunk" and "Elvis" -- in other words, the easy ones to play. I try these machines with all the lines and I don't know what the hell I am doing. I just don't get it.

My question: Is there anywhere, anyhow, or anyone who can teach me how to play these machines? I subscribe to various magazines, always hoping articles will show me how -- so far no luck there. I have sat down next to a couple of people at the clubs and asked and I'm not to sure they know what they are doing either. It doesn't sound like it anyway. The casinos that give lessons never give lessons on how to play a slot machine.

Just wondering if you could help out.

Thanks,
Roe

Dear Roe,

The new multi-line, multi-coin video slots can be somewhat confusing. Almost every machine has help screens. You can read those screens to learn how to play the bonus rounds and you can look at the paytable screens to see how much each winning combination pays.

Playing these machines is really not difficult at all. First you press a button to tell the machine how many lines you want to play. Next you press a button to tell the machine how many coins you want to play per line. The reels will now spin. After they stop, the machine will tell you how much you've won and then show you, one by one, each winning payline and how much you won on the payline.

You're on your own figuring out how to play the bonus rounds. There are too many different variations for me to describe. Keep in mind that the only action you usually have to do is choose one or more objects. The machine does the rest.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

At which websites can I play large, colorful, FAST, FREE GAME slots and video poker, especially Deuces Wild? The only ones I have found are poky and slow and cheap and no fun.

I don't play online, so I can't recommend any sites.

I can recommend both Jean Scott's Frugal Video Poker and Bob Dancer Presents WinPoker as excellent PC-based video poker games and tutors.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Hi, John,

Let me start of by saying as everyone else does: I enjoy your articles.

You were correct when you answered a question on 4/25/05 that there isn't any cd or download of The Price Is Right. The closest you can get is from an online casino. It can be played for free or for money. A form of The Price is Right with Plinko and Wheel of Fortune can be played at various sites, www.skybetvegas.com or www.hardrockcasino.com to name a few.

If you're looking for some good slot CDs for home use, I would like to recommend a companey called Phantomefx. Some of their titles are Reel Deal Slots Nickels Alley and Reel Deal Slots Nickels and More. Phantomefx also has a monthly slot game to download for $5.99 each, plus you can try one slot download called Woodsy Winnings at no charge.

Thanks for letting me share this with all of your readers.

Your slot buddy, DaveS

Dear DaveS,

Thanks for the kind words about my columns and thanks for recommding Phantom EFX (www.phantomexf.com).

John

Dear Sir:

If there is a possibility in any way a chance of winning in one particular game in casino, an effective system enabling a gambler to win and does not involve any electronic gadget or cheating, how would you deal with it?

In recent months I've been trying to formulate a strategy to win and in my opinion I was able to reach this goal, but I don't know how to deal with it. Can you suggest a good scenario for me? Can I sell this method to gambling operator so as to keep it a secret or to individual interested to learn? Is it a crime or illegal to do so?

It seems to look like a fraud and scam to people, but I believe you yourself and other gambling gurus had made some advice and strategy in some way to your readers.

I will appreciate your reply and thank your for your time.

Your first step is to have your system reviewed by someone who is knowledgeable about the math of casino games. This person will most likely tell you that your system won't work. If he or she says you're on to something, then you can think about marketing it. But until then, I'd give as much serious thought to how to deal with your discovery as I personally give to how I'd spend the next $300,000,000 MegaMillions lottery prize.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net. Because of the volume of mail I receive, I regret that I can't send a reply to every question. Also be advised that it may take several months for your question to appear in my column.