More on the different classes of gaming

Thanks for the information about the different classes of gaming on 5/23/09. I have two questions based on your information.

1. Does this information pertain to video poker machines?
2. Is there a way to find out which casinos offer which class of slots?

Thanks,
mbg

Dear mbg,

The information applies to all electronic gaming devices in the casino. If a tribal casino does not have a compact with a state, all devices will be Class II gaming devices as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulator Act.

There are some rules of thumb you can use to determine the class machines offered by a casino, but there may be some exceptions to these rules. If the casino is not owned by a Native American tribe or run by a state, it has Class III gaming. If a casino has the traditional casino games (blackjack, craps, roulette, etc.), its slots will also be Class III. If a slot or video poker machine displays a bingo card somewhere on the screen, it is a Class II machine.

If you want to know about a specific casino, try Googling the name of the casino and the word "compact". If you find news items about a compact the tribe negotiated with the state, then the casino has Class III games. In addition, you can always call the casino and ask.

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 reply to every question.