What is RFB?

You stated that cruise ships function in international waters only, so why do they give 1099 G's when you win? They said that they we need to pay taxes on all wins.

That's right. The IRS wants its cut regardless of where you won the money and whether or not it was reported.

I don't know why the cruise line was required to give a U.S. form. Perhaps because it was operated by a U.S.-based company. When a British man won a big prize in a slot tournament I was in a few years ago, the casino had to file a non-resident income form with the IRS. I suppose if I won a big jackpot in a casino in London, it would have to file some sort of form with the British taxing authority. I also suppose the IRS has reciprocal agreements to share information with other taxing authorities.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Hi,

We are going to Las Vegas next week, and my bankroll is rather small. In the local casinos here at home in Wisconsin, I tend to play the penny Fort Knox machines, as I can stretch that bankroll into a few hours of play.

Does it make any sense to play pennies in Vegas, or would my time be better spent basking in the sun and sipping cold beverages?

Thanks,
Hope

Dear Hope,

The penny slots in Las Vegas will probably have a higher long-term payback than the penny slots in Wisconsin.

I think your time would be better spent playing the slots in Las Vegas and basking in the sun in Wisconsin.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

What is RFB?

RFB stands for Room/Food/Beverage, the highest level of comping privileges. It means the casino will pay for your room, all of your food, and all of your beverages.

Another level is RFL, Room/Food/Limited-Beverage, the next highest level. When you're RFL, the casino won't comp those $500 bottles of Dom Perignon you drink like Dasani.

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.