The Slot Expert's Guide to Winning at Slots and Video Poker

You can hear me give my slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer with Frank Scoblete, which is broadcast live from Memphis on WHBQ over the air on 560AM and over the Internet on Yahoo! Broadcast on Saturday morning from 8-10 CT.

This is another tip for all casino games. I call it the Dunkin' Donuts Comp.

When you need a few bucks to get a snack, such as a cup of coffee and a donut, take a shot at winning the money to pay for it. Try a buck or two in a slot or video poker machine or a small bet at blackjack, craps, and roulette. If you win, use your winnings to pay for some or all of your snack. If you lose, well, you're only out a few extra bucks. If you play the tables, choose a roughly 50/50 bet, such as a hand of blackjack, the even-money bets at roulette, or the pass or don't pass line at craps.

Here's how I play the Dunkin' Donuts Comp. Suppose I need $4 for an iced coffee and bagel for breakfast. I'd either: play a hand of blackjack for $5; put $5 down on red, black, high, low, odd, or even at roulette; or put $5 down on the pass or don't pass line at craps. Win or lose, I'm done. If I push, I'll give it another try. For video poker, I'd play $5 through a quarter machine or maybe one hand of dollar video poker, if I'm feeling particularly lucky. For slots, I'd try $3 to $5 through either a quarter or a dollar machine. If I'm ever ahead by $4 to $5, I'll cash out with my "comp."

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

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