Double Down Stud

In response to your reader who asked about cell phones in Atlantic City:

I always carry my cell phone with me on my trips to Atlantic City. The reception is spotty, but it does work in a lot of areas. Obviously, the closer you are to an outside wall or door, you get better reception or "bars." Some areas within the casinos seem to be "no service" areas (a lot of hotel check-in areas are no service). I think the lack of service in these areas has more to do with interference than anything else, but I have both made and received calls in the casinos.

If that reader is concerned with staying in touch with someone (as I am), they can always watch their phones to make sure that they stay within the areas of service.

As always, each service provider is different and what works for me may not work for someone else.

GB

Dear GB,

Thanks for the information.

John

Hi ,

Love the newsletter!

In regards to Price is Right:

They can be found at the following: Fort Erie Slots (Ft. Erie Canada/Buffalo)
Seneca Casino Niagara Falls, NY
Casino Niagara Niagara Falls, Canada

Mike

* * * *

This is in reference to a question from Kelly in your newsletter today:

There are "The Price is Right" slot machines on the East coast. I know for sure in Atlantic City.

Jane

Dear MIke and Jane,

Thanks for the information. I would expect just about every casino with Class III gaming to have The Price is Right machines on their slot floors.

John

We do most of our gambling at Harrah's, Atlantic City, and we like to play the $1 and $5 Double Down Stud. Can you tell us what the payback percentage is on these machines?

Thank you,
Steve

Dear Steve,

There used to be just one Double Down Stud paytable, but I believe I read a while ago that a second paytable had hit slot floors. Just to be sure we're talking about the same game, here's the paytable that I'm familiar with:

The 1-coin payoffs are as follows: a pair of Sixes through a pair of Tens pay 1 coin, a pair of Jacks or better pay 2, two pairs 3, three-of-a-kind 4, a straight 6, a flush 9, a full house 12, four-of-a-kind 50, a straight flush 200, and a royal flush 1,000. With max coins bet, that's an initial bet of 5 coins and an additional 5 coins to double down for a total of 10 coins, the royal flush payoff is 20,000 coins.

The long-term payback of that paytable with perfect strategy is 97.8%.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

When I click on a casino for slot information, specifically progressives, what does the abbreviation, CAD, mean?

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Hi,

Have you investigated the new "Golden Touch Blackjack" counting system yet? If so, what do you think? Is it effective? Just wondering.

Jean

Dear Jean,

I don't know the specifics about the Speed Count and Golden Touch Blackjack, but I know something even better. I know three of the four people involved in developing the system and the course: Dom LoRiggio, Henry Tamburin, and Frank Scoblete.

All three are of unquestionable integrity and I know that whatever claims they make are absolutely true.

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 two or more months for your question to appear in my column.