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Mark Pilarski Gaming Guru - Page 18  Deal Me In: Smart play plus cash back makes for a positive-expectation game24 May 2013
Dear Mark: I am a little confused when you say that with comps, you can make video poker and blackjack a "positive expectation" game. Could you please explain how comps make up for the "built-in" house edge on the two games that I play? Jason G. Bless their hearts, casinos love to offer their patrons a wide variety of freebies ranging from small trinkets to first class, all-expenses-paid trips. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Did I really say that?17 May 2013
Dear Mark: I recently heard you on a radio show where you stated that your No. 1 gambling tip was "don't gamble." I took it as lighthearted advice, but really, is that your number No. 1 tip when it comes to gambling? Doug D. From time to time, talk radio stations will call and ask if can I spare a few minutes and yap about gambling. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Luck goes south for this slot player10 May 2013
Dear Mark: My luck with slots has gone kaput. I am to a point where I feel slots don't pay at all. What is an old-time slot player to do? Ted Y. I can tell you, Ted, with 100 percent certainty that all slot machines dependably pay. They pay the casino's mortgage, those neon light bills and all the employees' salaries. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Mega this and Mega that2 May 2013
Dear Mark: My question concerns the big progressive slots, like the Wheel of Fortune and Megabucks. They are in casinos -- large and small -- in many states. Is each machine programmed to the same payout amount, or "looseness," or would a machine in a small, locals' casino, be more likely to pay off? Also, ... (read more)
Deal Me In: A push is a push, except for ...26 April 2013
Dear Mark: Please settle a dispute between my wife and me. She believes a pair of jacks is a win at video poker. I believe it to be a push. Who is right? Kent H. The unpopularity of ties, in both gambling (blackjack) and sports, is echoed in the adage, "A tie is like kissing your sister." The earliest known ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Spread your play around19 April 2013
Dear Mark: When playing at a gambling destination where there are multiple casinos, how many different player's cards do you recommend I get? Jan B. I would recommend at least three different casinos where you are a rated player and have one of their player's cards. Casinos all too often change their comp guidelines and host personnel. ... (read more)
Promotional yank can expose your pay envelope12 April 2013
Dear Mark: Our local casino offers free spins on a slot machine that has a $1,000 jackpot, plus other prizes like free dinners if you cash your paycheck there. Are these free-play machines less likely to hit than a machine that you put money in? Jim K. The random number generator (RNG) of any slot machine ... (read more)
A 'taxable jackpot' is a bit of a myth5 April 2013
Dear Mark: What does the term "taxable jackpot" mean? J.N. If you win $1,200 or more on a single spin (including the original wager), the casino will issue you a W-2G. Ill-advisedly, many players have been told that a $1,200 win is the "taxable jackpot" threshold for what they are on the hook to Uncle Sam for. ... (read more)
When and why to double up29 March 2013
Dear Mark: With the double up feature on many video poker machines, is it a 50/50 proposition, and if so, how long would you recommend playing this option before quitting? Jenny S. Yes, Jenny, the house is offering you a 50-50 proposition on the double-up option after winning a hand of video poker. ... (read more)
Three reasons to color up22 March 2013
Dear Mark: Every time I leave a blackjack game, the dealer always asks if I want to “color up.” What is the reasoning behind him or her asking me this? J.T. The casino encourages players to color up when leaving a table game for one of three reasons. The first is for the player’s convenience, as it makes a player less likely to drop chips all over the floor on the way to the cashier’s cage. ... (read more)
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