Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 812

Chalk One Up for Slot Players!

Every slot player is aware of the little sticker that’s on every slot and video poker machine in every casino in the country: “Machine malfunction voids all plays”. For all practical purposes, this means that if the casino determines there are any irregularities in the normal function of the machine that would compromise any winnings or a jackpot payoff, the casino reserves the right to deny payment. Since all electronic gaming devices are governed by an internal computer program, it is easy for casino owners to check that everything’s on the up and up...read more

Ol' One Arm in Reno

I hit the ground with the echo of snapping bones ringing in my ears. It turned out that I had hit the edge of the asphalt with enough force to shatter my upper arm (the humerus) into five or six pieces... so I've had a CAT scan and I'm waiting to hear if I am going to need reconstructive surgery...read more

Bad Days at the Casino

Every so often, readers send me tales of big wins, back-to-back jackpots, comebacks--their best days at the casinos. Those are the days every player likes to relive. Then there are the days we'd like to forget...read more

Why Players Love Bets that Earn Big Bucks for the Bosses

Side bets for progressive jackpots and consolation prizes at Caribbean Stud are big profit items for the casinos. But, when the jackpot exceeds $218,047, players have an effective edge. You'll encounter this situation occasionally, especially if you're in a venue with multiple casinos and check around for the best payouts rather than simply stay where the bus happens to drop you...read more

Blackjack: Mistakes & Missed Opportunities

From time to time if an author or writer has some relevant information to share, I'll ask them to write a guest column. This blackjack column by Daniel Sejzer, a gambling and computer expert, is very pertinent and I thought that it would help your game. You pull into a gas station and find two pumps selling the same gas...read more

Surrender Option Is One Gimmick That Works for the Player

I just returned from a weeklong vacation in Vegas. While there, I played blackjack at nine casinos: Mandalay Bay, the Palms, Monte Carlo, Aladdin, Paris, Bally's, the Flamingo, Bellagio and Caesars Palace. One thing these casinos had in common was that they all offered the "surrender" option at their blackjack tables. For those of you not familiar with surrender, it allows you to get out of your hand if you don't like it (rather than play it) and just give up half your bet...read more

Ask the Slot Expert

Can the Jeopardy slot machine be purchased on a CD? Charlie Dear Charlie, No. As far as I know, none of the IGT machines that are based on licensed themes are available on CD. Best of luck in and out of the casinos,John John, Are there any states other than Nevada that have gaming laws set up for a person to play video poker so that the outcome can be affected by a person's skill? I know Illinois has fair games but I went to Chicago in February and it's not for me! I was wondering about the gaming resorts in WV...read more

A Trick for Making Money from Live-Action Baccarat Tournaments

Baccarat tournaments can offer a significant source of profit to an advantage player. Unlike most forms of gambling, it is fairly easy for a reasonably intelligent player to get an advantage in a tournament. The problem is variance...read more

Scobe's Quick Tips: #35 and #36

Scobe's Quick Tip #35 If you win a lot of money very quickly in your session, consider putting your session stake and some of your winnings aside and only playing with the rest of the win. In this way, you assure yourself of going home a winner for that night...read more

The Best Machine to Play

A co-worker recently saw me on The Travel Channel and asked me, "What is the best machine to play?" She didn't care much for my answer. I said that the best machine to play is the one you enjoy playing. I treat slot playing much like any other entertainment option and I suggest that you choose a slot machine to play in the same way that you'd choose a book or film...read more