Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 196

The bad becomes good

QUESTION: I notice that video slot machines have more different symbols per reel than three-reel slots.On three-reel games, I figure a normal game has something like cherries, single bars, double bars, triple bars, 7s and a jackpot symbol. That's only six different symbols.On video slots, you might see five or more symbols based on the game theme, plus A-K-Q-J-10...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: American slots and English fruit machines: Divided by more than a common language

Question: I am an English college student currently studying in London. As part of a research task, I decided to look into the way mathematically true randomness was integrated in slot machines. As I have gathered, you are an expert in slot machines both in how they work and how to maximise the player's profit from it. I had a few questions concerning this research...read more

Ruining your fun

OK, this column might ruin your fun if you are a craps player. That is correct. As a busy-bodied gambling writer, I want everyone to see craps the way I see it because, well, I am right.First, as craps players know and as many novices hovering near the table can readily see, craps has such a variety of bets that it can give a new player a headache...read more

Different edges for the same bets

Even though the house edge at most casino games is unchanging on every play, you'll sometimes see different edges listed by different sources.It's not necessarily that one source or another is wrong. It's just that they start with different assumptions.Ray, who says he's been a regular reader for at least 10 years, e-mailed recently to ask about some of those differences."You list the house edge at baccarat as 1.06 on banker and 1.24% on player," he wrote...read more

Size of the odds bet in craps

Hi Stickman,I just returned from a trip to Vegas and was playing craps at the El Cortez where a $3 minimum line bet was required.The number thrown on the come-out roll was 9, and I made a single odds bet of $2 and was told that I couldn't do that because any odds bet made could not be lower that the line bet...read more

Shills at slots?

QUESTION: This happened a long time ago, but I've always wondered if something was up. Maybe you have some insight.Early 1990s, my wife and I were in a casino for the first time. This other couple came up to us, both carrying buckets of dollar tokens.The woman said, "You wouldn't believe it...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: The house edge on very high denomination slot machines

Question: Hey greetings happy New yr iam just curious .What is the house edge on 500 dollar slot machines. Also if the high limit slots dont get play slot it doesn't matter still with it being set as with the rng? Answer: Happy New Year to you too...read more

Gambling and the Law: Impact of a one percent tax on sports betting

The U.S. Supreme Court appears to be about to rule that the federal law that prevents states from legalizing sports betting, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, is unconstitutional. There are at least a dozen states that appear ready to enact new laws to introduce or expand legal intra-state wagering on sporting events this year, once the High Court decision is announced.This raises, as always, the question of who will get the money.Indiana Rep...read more

Simple slot questions

Simple Slots Question: I know that there something called the RNG that controls the computerized slot machines, but I have no idea what this means and how the results come from this computer thingy. Can you help me on this? I know it doesn’t change the way I play but it would be nice to know what is behind the curtain.Simple Slots Answer: The RNG is the random number generator inside almost all slot machines – it is indeed the “man” behind the curtain...read more

Knowing a slot machine's return

There have long been two basic approaches to player rewards programs: Some reveal how many dollars in play it takes to earn a point and how many points it takes to redeem for free play, meals or other comps.Others keep that information confidential, leaving the club free to weigh other factors in awarding benefits.Now there appears to be a third approach, one that gambling author Steve Bourie says enables players to calculate the theoretical payback percentages at slot machines.This third approach is in use at the Seminole Hard Rock casinos in Florida, and Bourie describes in detail the calculation, the work that went into deriving the formula, and the results at https://www.americancasinoguide.com/slot-machines/an-analysis-of-slot-machine-payback-percentages-at-seminole-casinos-in-florida.html.I've never seen it anyplace else...read more