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Mark Pilarski Gaming Guru - Page 45  The taxman cometh20 July 2007
Dear Mark: I have a question regarding winnings from a slot tournament. The casino reported the tournament winnings on a 1099 MISC ($15,000). Can an equal amount of gambling losses be shown to offset the winnings from gross income on Federal 1040; like it can when you receive a W-2G form? Sandra D. ... (read more)
Tipping points13 July 2007
Dear Mark: I have a problem about tipping blackjack dealers in the casino. I figure they get a high enough salary dealing cards, so why should I feel obliged to tip them, especially when their job is so easy and they don't do anything to help me, like tell me what's under their face or ace when I'm losing? ... (read more)
Windfall or downfall?6 July 2007
Dear Mark: I finally hit my first royal flush in over 20 years of playing video poker, but first, my confession. I didn't play — as you always recommend — the full amount required. I lost out on a 4,000-coin payout and received just 500 coins because I only played two dollars. I just wanted to share what happened to me with your readers so that others will not experience my win/lose event. ... (read more)
Inquiring minds want to know22 June 2007
Dear Mark: In poker, is it taboo to ask opponents how they would play a particular hand? Jim F.
Not only is there nothing wrong with asking opponents for their opinions, Jim, I actually encourage it.
Nothing gives you more information about how an opponent plays than simply asking. Players love to hear themselves talk, especially about how skillful they are in playing a hand. ... (read more)
No shoe for you!15 June 2007
Dear Mark: Why is it that casinos do not allow you to make a decent-sized bet halfway through a shoe? I recently made a table maximum bet, but was sternly told that I had to wait until the shuffle? I'm guessing that had I made a table minimum $5 bet versus a $500 one, they would have let me play. Marty C. ... (read more)
Perfect basic strategy: not just a pretty slogan8 June 2007
Dear Mark: Outside of perfect basic strategy, is there any other key to winning at blackjack? Gary Z.
First off, Gary, you get a Gold Star for correctly identifying perfect basic strategy as an important factor for leveling the playing field against the house. The second essential key is money management.
... (read more)
Better returns can make for bigger losses25 May 2007
Dear Mark: If a larger denomination slot machine returns more, then how come when I play at a higher limit, like dollars versus quarters, I end up losing more money? Beth S.
Even though the house edge is lower when you play larger-denomination-coin machines, you can also have a greater expected loss. ... (read more)
The actions behind action18 May 2007
Dear Mark: You have used the term "action" a lot in your column. Exactly what does that mean for the typical blackjack player? Does it mean how much I'm betting per hand, or per session, or does it mean how much I need to bet to get my room comped? Justin B.
I recollect describing "action" at least these ... (read more)
The smarter you play, the luckier you'll be11 May 2007
Dear Mark: Why is it that I always lose in the casino? Am I simply playing the wrong games? Rachael M.
Hey, Rachael, I'm just guessin' here, but are you playing any of the games I recommend? Are you employing a solid strategy on those games? If not, then you have just answered your own questions. ... (read more)
Deal me in4 May 2007
Skip the Glamour – Look Deep Into Their Paytables
Dear Mark: I recently saw an advertisement from a casino that said their slot and video poker machines are the loosest. How do they determine what loose is? Stan F.
What you saw, Stan is advertising gobbledygook; moreover, no one can truly give ... (read more)
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