Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 829

Bad Ways to Play Good Casino Games

You've met this guy before. He's cantankerous, witless, and loud. He knows everything about everything when it comes to casino games. He's a self-made expert who knows more than all writers and mathematicians combined, and as he doubles on his thirteen against the dealer's ten upcard, he scowls: "I know how to play from experience!" His face looks as if he's recently stormed a beach in Normandy...read more

Political Contribution Restrictions Need Fixing

The State of Michigan has one of the most restrictive bans on political contributions of any gaming jurisdiction. As literally written, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act (the "Act") specifically prohibits casino and supplier licensees (and related shareholders, employees and family members) from making any contributions to any state or local candidate or to certain political committees for a period of one year (suppliers) or three years (casino operators) prior to applying for a license...read more

Tips for Smart Slot Play

Since it’s a statistical fact in gaming jurisdictions nationwide that casinos derive approximately 80 percent of their gaming revenues from slot and video poker machines, it’s important to arm ourselves with as much knowledge as possible to keep the playing field as level as we possibly can. The edge will always tip in favor of the casinos no matter what we do...read more

Bonehead Blackjack

In my time playing blackjack in casinos, I thought I'd seen just about every ill-conceived strategy imaginable. I've seen players stand on Ace-4--a soft 15. Doesn't matter what the dealer's up card is, there's never any reason to stand on a soft total of 17 or less. I've seen players double down on hard 6 when the dealer showed a 6, thinking the dealer was nearly certain to bust...read more

How Do the Experts Know the Best Way to Play Video Poker?

Many video poker decisions are no-brainers. The choices will be intuitively obvious to anyone whose card career has passed old maid, go fish, and cut the deck for a dime. For instance, it doesn't take a poker pro or a math meister to know how to handle four sundry hearts and a club...read more

Bits and Pieces from Indian Country - March 2003

Sovereignty makes headlines again this month; actually it would be more accurate to say it is the headlining story every month in Indian country.  The U. S. Supreme Court is going to be hearing an important case that will either limit the ability of states to enforce laws on tribal land or limit the ability of tribes to resist the legal action of the states.  In either case, it will be an important decision in the ongoing debate over sovereignty. The U.S...read more

Harrah's Watch - March 2003

Harrah's is the most diverse of all the casino companies.  Harrah's is also the most diverse in its approach to the gaming industry.  Gaming companies are looking for expansion opportunities; Harrah's is often one step ahead.  Leading the way with its tribal contracts, now as a 'racino' operator and in the negotiations with communities in states studying gaming, Harrah's is everywhere.  Participating in negotiations in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts, the biggest is trying to get bigger. The Town Council moved last week to bring gambling to the town's business park, where the Narragansett Indian tribe and Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment Inc...read more

Quick-takes: The month's trends in a glance - March 2003

After months of anxiety and uncertainty, the war arrived.  It is much too soon to say what the impact will be on the economy or gaming.  However there have been some immediate reactions.  The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Connecticut Indian casinos and Harrah's Cherokee decided to change, delay or tone down their advertising...read more

Bruisin' the old billfold

Dear Mark, I know most of the craps bets and associated odds, but I have a question that has been bugging me. Reference the following craps scenario: Suppose I come to a table and the point is six. I make a come bet and the shooter rolls an eight...read more

Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John, OK, now I'm totally confused. I'm new to your newsletter and everything that I've read in the last few years is that all slots spins are determined by the RNG (random number generator)...read more