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Why has double-up been disabled on video poker machines?

15 November 2010

Hi John,

Just discovered your site.

I've been going to Vegas for 30 years. Been in the players' club at Main Street for years.

Last year, just after New Year's, I was there and the Jacks or Better Video Double Up bank of games was gone or out of commission. Other games where one could occasionally find double up options were gone too.

I was told by a floor person that double up was no longer allowed due to a cheating scandal back east.

Do you know if double up games have come back, and if so specifically are they available at Main Street or other venues downtown?

I usually go for a few comped video poker tournaments at Main Street Station, but without the double up option on regular Jacks or Better poker machines, I doubt if I want to go.

I would appreciate anything you can provide me as far as info. Either if you know if it's back or can direct me to someone who could find out for me.

Thanks,
Jim

Dear Jim,

There is a programming error in some machines that is triggered by the double-up option when it occurs in a specific sequence of actions. If I remember correctly, the error causes the machines to add credits to the credit meter. That's why the double-up option has been disabled.

The doubling option on video poker is a bit like video keno -- some players love it, most can live without it. I don't know that there's enough demand to make fixing the programming error a priority.

The best way to find out whether a particular casino currently has machines with the doubling option is to call or e-mail the casino.

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.

John Robison

John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots
John Robison
John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots