Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 460

Slots let you choose volatility

Whether you know it or not, volatility is one of the primary factors driving your experience whenever you play the slots. A high-volatility game will put more of its return in big jackpots, while a low-volatility game will give you a gentler ride, with more frequent small hits. Slot manufacturers put out games with a wide range of volatilities, something players don't always understand when they choose a game. There's a new kid in town among manufacturers — Arlington Heights, Illinois-based Incredible Technologies — that aims to give players a choice, with high, medium and low-volatility games all on the same machine...read more

Does the payback change when I change denomination on a multi-denomination machine?

I enjoyed your article on the RNG. I have read that the higher the denomination slot machine the better the payback percentage. Since many machines today have multiple choices, I was wondering if you were playing a machine at $1.00 and then switched to $2.00 on the same machine, is your chance of winning now better? Thank you, Les Dear Les, Thanks for the kind words about my RNG column. It's entirely possible that the long-term payback on a multi-denomination machine increases when you increase denomination...read more

Is a big win on longshots guaranteed if you make enough bets?

Unlike lotteries, ball games, or horse races, casino gambles typically involve repetitive bets. A previous article discussed the chances of winning or losing various amounts, using alternate strategies for series of wagers on even-money propositions. Many solid citizens, however, avoid even-money games...read more

When do I place a pass line bet?

Hi Frank, I went on an Internet site to play craps for fun money. I have a lot to learn so I'm going to buy five of the craps books, or should I wait for your new one coming out this spring? My question is where do you place the odds bet on the table? My second question: When do you play the pass line, before or after the number comes out? I want to do some practice on the Internet to get the knack of the game...read more

The Fire Bet

I've had a few letters from readers asking about a Craps wager called the Fire Bet. This wager is offered by the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas and I've heard, but can't confirm, that the Orleans also offers the wager. This wager was created by Perry B...read more

Keeping Your Winnings

Everybody loves to win. It gives us great pleasure when we beat the odds and are victorious. I think that most of us who visit the casino on a regular basis are optimists at heart. We know that the games favor the house yet we enjoy playing them and have hopes that we will be the one to overcome the odds...read more

Playing the slots? Books can ease stress, make it more fun

Listen! If there were some way that books on slots could make anyone a sure winner, nobody would ever write one! True, but think of it this way -- understanding the concepts of payback, money management, comprehending what random number generators are (among other things) can make playing machines more fun and make your bankroll last longer...read more

Casper the Las Vegas Gambling Ghost

Don't be terrified now, but I am going to rip the lid off a problem that has been haunting Las Vegas for years now — ghosts! That's right, ghosts, as in Casper the Gambling Ghost. As in spirits of the night, the day; ghosts in the rooms, walking in the lakes and fountains, and hallways and bathrooms and…. Las Vegas is home to great singers, comedians, hypnotists, magicians, beautiful showgirls, gambling, fine foods and drink but it also has sometimes bubbly spirits that have not come out of a champagne bottle. I am sure that most of our readers think, "Oh, well, those old time miners are probably still haunting the caves and valleys...read more

Player's Slot Machine Questions Answered

Today's question from a reader is typically of what's on the minds of many slot players who wish to learn the truth about the games they play: I have three questions: 1. I like to play a three-reel Triple-Double Diamond quarter slot machine at Blue Chip...read more

No hole card blackjack

Blackjack regulars know that the game has a mix-and-match set of rules. The dealer might stand on all 17s, or hit soft 17. You might or might not be permitted to double down after splitting pairs. You might be permitted to double down after any opening hand, or your double downs might be restricted to totals of 9, 10 or 11, or even just 10 or 11. Those are common variations, but every now and then a rule takes you by surprise...read more