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Gaming Guru
Mission accomplished25 February 2000
Dear Mark, You have many questions, Loretta, but let's start with "lose a bundle and just loving it." I can't help but think: are you really having fun when you're losing? Taken as known, the casino has but two goals: separate you from your money and put a smile on your face. Evidently with you they have achieved their objective.
Your style of play creates this scenario.
Insert multiple coins, play for a short while, lose, go home. Quarter machines (25¢) in Atlantic City return on average 90.5 cents of each dollar played compared to 91.7 on a dollar machine. Hardly a break on the Jersey Shore when you bump up to a higher denomination machine. Furthermore, weigh the 90.5¢ return on Jersey's quarter machines against the following gaming jurisdictions and you'll notice that Atlantic City slot machines are no bargain: Colorado 94.1; Illinois 92.4; Iowa 92.4; Nevada 94.7. My gambling recommendation to you is as follows. Bet a whole lot less, like nickel or quarter machines with a five coin maximum, or make nominal wagers on some of the smarter bets I suggest weekly in this column. Then, write me back and let me know how much more you enjoy gambling when you break even for a trip or, better yet, actually win and put a few of the casino's dollars in your purse.
Dear Mark, Your play is nearly correct. An ace-seven is one of those tricky hands about which numerous experts disagree. The general consensus is to stand on 2, 7, 8; double down when playing rules allow it against a 3-6; and hit against a 9 or 10 count card. But against an ace the pros are nearly divided between hitting and standing. I side with the half that recommends hitting versus standing when fronting an ace. Recent Articles
Mark Pilarski |
Mark Pilarski |