Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 478

Can I alter the results from the RNG?

Is there anything a player can do to vary his/her predetermined "random number generator" result, which in most cases is a loss of the bet? Robert Not only is there nothing you can do, legally, to alter the results from the RNG, there's also nothing the casino can do, legally, to alter those results...read more

Betting against the 4 and 10

Dear Frank: If the come-out is a 4 or 10 and I want to bet against the shooter hitting those numbers, do I have to make a lay bet that only pays 1 to 2 odds or can I make a don't come that pays 1 to 1? Kel Dear Kel: Your don't come can't be made specifically on the 4 or 10 in advance since you (and the dice) have no idea which number will be rolled. But as a darkside don't player the don't come is your best bet as the casino has about a 1.38% edge — very tiny in the casino math of things. Once the point is established as a 4 or 10, the only way to bet against these numbers is to use a lay bet...read more

Why is only 10% withheld when I hit a jackpot in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Hi John, Is there any particular reason why foreign tax in the U.S. Virgin Islands is 10% instead of the 30% that's recognized by all casinos in the U.S.? According to an article I found at findlaw.com, the tax code in the U.S. Virgin Islands mirrors the federal tax code in the United States -- except where they differ...read more

Slot Machine Ergonomics

I recently attended an office ergonomics seminar. I found it to be very enlightening and saw how the principles taught at the seminar could be at the casino while playing the slot or video poker machines. What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is defined as the application of scientific information relating to the design of objects, systems and environment in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. It has become a high profile concern for many companies...read more

Finally, some software to help you handicap football

It's been a few years since I've seen any new computer software for handicapping pro and college football. In essence, an old friend has returned. PDS, out of Illinois, is back, after a long absence. PDS has two programs, each selling at $119.95 for the software and yearly data downloads. Just what does it do? The software's main menu is divided into six sections: database, maintenance, stats, handicapping, utilities and instructions -- all displayed on the menu bar...read more

More words from the world of craps!

(Thanks to Billy the Kid of Golden Touch Craps for his input.) Craps has a language of its own and knowing this language makes playing the game that much easier for you, the other players and the dealers. 1. Prop bet Prop bets are the bets that are in the center of the craps layout...read more

Local Poker Player Wins Gold in His First Try

The final table for the World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em Tournament at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas was set on Wednesday (July 15), but we'll have to wait until Nov. 7 – 10 for the nine finalists to battle for the gold bracelet and millions of dollars in prize money on ESPN. One Chicago-area player who won't have to wait for his gold bracelet is Tony Veckey from Lake in the Hills, Illinois...read more

A shuffle through the gaming mailbag

Q. Is it better to play a single-line video poker machine or the multi-line machines? If they have they same pay table (10/7/5) would it really matter? A. Payback percentages and strategies are the same regardless of whether you're playing single-hand, Triple Play, Five Play, Ten Play or any other multiple-hand version of video poker...read more

Are bonus amounts predetermined?

As a lot of people are, I am curious as to how "rigged" slot machines are. Rigged might not be the best term, maybe "programmed." But here is what I want to know: Many slot machines have "bonus" games you can win, where you win a number of free games, often with the possibility of winning some special jackpot during them...read more

World Casino Champions crowned in Las Vegas!

August 14, 15 and 16 was a great weekend in Las Vegas for casino players interested in competing in 11 casino tournaments and taking a dozen classes given by such experts and best-selling writers as Henry Tamburin, Jerry "Stickman," Bill "Ace-10" Burton, Dominator, John "Skinny," and Billy "the Kid." The World Casino Championships was a raging success with players coming in from Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United States...read more