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CASINO PLAYERS EZINE #100
Greetings, Casino Players:
We have arrived. It is #100 for Casino Players Ezine!
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. I went through previous issues of Casino Players Ezine and selected 5 frequently asked readers’ questions and replied with expanded answers.
Additionally, there are 5 popular Editor’s Rants:Gayle Storms and 3 of the best Winning Jackpot Stories.
This milestone edition also includes the top casinos/gaming region payouts with link and Question of the Month-May.
Away we go with this super special issue of the largest Slots Newsletter online.
Casino Players Ezine is available online twice/month at www.casinoplayersezine.com.
Archive of past issues are located at: www.casinoplayersezine.com/archive.
Enjoy your read.
Editor -- Gayle Mitchell. Casino Players Ezine
We invite your questions and comments via email.
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#1 |
Gayle: I would like to know how to pick a slot machine when I go to the casino. Gladiator.
Hey Spartacus: Would suggest you start with basic, single payline slots, with two coin maximum and a double or triple bonus feature. Examples are Double, Triple Diamond, Blazing 7’s and Red White & Blue 7's. Dollar slots would be best or quarters if that’s what your gambling bankroll dictates.
Once you have accumulated winnings, you can move on to multi-lines checking out the top jackpot before making a selection—the higher the better. You should begin multi-line play by activating all lines but with 1-2 coins/line until the credits mount.
Your gambling bankroll will last longer this way. Gayle.
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#2 |
George: As to the ongoing controversy about when the result of a slot pull/spin is decided.
Is it A) when the first coin is inserted or B) when the spin button/handle is pushed/pulled?
Well, both are right, depending on who manufactured the slot and when.
For Older versions and some small manufacturers, the answer is A.
For Newer versions that are less than ten years old, (more likely), the answer is B.
Therefore, it is probable that today's slot world in large casinos venues that most slot play is on newer versions and therefore the answer would be B as above.
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#3 |
Gayle: I ordered your Slots Trilogy and found it to be very interesting and informative.
However, I don't understand the meaning of average hit frequency. It says that a lower frequency of 2, would merit a higher rating than say an 8. It would seem just the opposite to me as more hits should be better. Can you please explain this to me so I can better understand the logic? Thanks much, Jack.
Jack and Readers: When selecting this question, it reminded me that I should explain all the information that follows a slot review while answering this query. The first issue of every month has at least 3 Slot Reviews and quoting from Issue 99, subscribers would have seen this line: Prophecy: Aristocrat. 2 spins. 88-97%.
The explanation is name of the slot (Prophecy), slot manufacturer (Aristocrat), average hit frequency when all lines are activated—AHF—(2spins) which translates into approximately every 2nd spin, there will be a payout. This may not be as much as you originally bet, but additional credits should come your way.
Lastly the overall payout range designated by the manufacturer (88-97%). This does not mean that all versions of this slot will payout 97%, but rather the casino makes the decision as to what overall payout % will be programmed for their purchase/lease.
In reply to AHF, the average hit frequency is based on an overall % for that particular slot.
If the overall payout is 50% with all lines activated, that would mean that there is some sort of 'hit' every 2nd spin on average.
Conversely, if it is 14%, that would be a hit frequency of every 7th spin. (14 divide into 100 = 7). Therefore, it is better to have a hit on average every 2nd spin (50%) rather than every 7th spin (14%).
Think of it this way: if you were playing XYZ slot, would you like to get some credits every second spin or wait until 7 spins have gone by? Gayle.
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#4 |
Many times, I have been asked. Can the casinos ‘flip a switch’ or otherwise change slot payouts?
Changing payouts entails contacting the slot manufacturer who in most cases is the only party that can make that change and frequently having this operation witnessed by the Gaming Commission.
I always offer the opinion that no credible casino is going to risk losing their gaming license by fooling with their slot payouts. Almost all gaming venues are highly regulated by the Gaming Commission.
Additionally, with video poker, it’s the pay schedule that determines the payout along with optimum player strategy. Therefore, if you are playing a 9/6 Jacks or Better version (9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush) with optimum strategy, the overall payout is 99.54%.
Unless the VP slots are programmed not to produce Royals or higher paying hands, it is difficult to change the payouts as per the pay schedule. Again, I go back to the risk of losing their gaming license as a reason not to cheat the players.
That said, there is cause for concern with downloadable slots as discussed in the Editor’s Rant.
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#5 |
Gayle: I have read and re-read Video Poker Made Easier. It has been a tremendous resource. Can you update the best places to play VP in Vegas? Is there additional info in the EBook that is not addressed in the original? Sandy.
Sandy: Yes, the EBook does have additional info. For example, there are 20 VP versions with strategies and paytables along with the Update that includes VP Q&A and descriptions of newer versions.
About the locations, I have listed my favorites in order and not all are in one area.
1) Fiesta Rancho (north-west Vegas)
2) Rampart (north-west Vegas)
3) Palms (off strip at Flamingo)
4) The Cannery
5) Fiesta Henderson
6) El Cortez (downtown)
7) Boulder Station (Boulder Highway)
8) Sam's Town (Boulder Highway)
9) Union Plaza (downtown)
10) Main Street Station (downtown)
All the above have great slot club card benefits, promotions and good eats at reasonable prices.
Thanks to a reader, there is an excellent resource online for current full-pay VP locations at http://members.cox.net/vpfree/.
All VP players are aware of the decreasing full-pay machines and that subject is addressed in the Editor’s Rant.
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Everyone who has ever gambled knows how even small bets can make the heart race.
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Today, she is considered one of North America’s leading experts on casino gaming and has made a career out of educating other gamblers.
Here she explains the best and worst bets in the casino, the secrets of successful slots and video poker play, how to win at blackjack, her ten “Dos” of casino gambling, tips on casino poker, and much more.
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#1 |
The largest slot machine jackpot in gaming history of $39,713,982. was won on Friday 3/21/03 on an IGT Megabucks machine at the Excalibur in Las Vegas. The winner, who requested anonymity, is a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles.
He said he'd played about $100 on the machine when he turned his head away from it for an instant. When he looked at the machine again, the winning symbols had lined up.
This win is nearly $5 million more than the previous record of $34.9 million hit at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas on Jan. 26, 2000. Congrats to the young bachelor whose life is sure to change dramatically.
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#2 |
Mum-of-three Jo Collins has won more than £162,000 playing bingo online – a world record.
Jo, a Special Needs School driver, had been playing Gala Bingo Online for only five days when she scooped £162.701.97.
She said, ‘I’m going to pay off the mortgage, and the car, and go out to Australia to see the long-lost friends who introduced me to my husband. I have three grown up children and ten grandchildren and we are going to have a great party.’
Jo is also a Meals on Wheels volunteer. She has been married for 35 years.
She added, ‘I was at my daughter Melanie’s house when I realized I’d won a big prize. ‘We just went mad and danced around. When I told my husband Mervyn, he thought I’d picked up £1,600. You should have heard him when I explained that I had won over £160,000.'
‘I’m going to carry on with my driving job. The Special Needs kids rely on people like me to get them to school.’ The previous highest recorded win was £130,000.
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#3 |
A 92-year-old man has accomplished the near impossible -- winning a Megabucks jackpot twice. It's the first time someone has won the well-known jackpot more than once.
Local Vegas resident, Elmer Sherwin won the top Megabucks slot machine jackpot worth $21.1 million. In 1989, Sherwin won $4.6 million from a Megabucks machine at the Mirage.
After he won the first jackpot, Sherwin said it became his "life's dream" to win it a second time, Cannery representative Aimee Worth said.
In a statement issued by IGT, Sherwin said he wanted to win the award for a second time.
"I'm glad I finally hit; I've been trying to do it again," he said. He plans to surprise his family with the news.
"I want to see the looks on their faces when they hear," Sherwin said, noting that he soon plans to try for his third jackpot.
The Megabucks machine, made by International Game Technology, is a dollar slot machine with a building jackpot that requires a $3 bet to hit the top prize. The chance of winning the Megabucks grand prize is less than one in 10 million.
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As reported by the Gaming Commissions.
Slot players know that payout %'s and top casino payout rankings can change monthly.
Note: Not all land-based casinos/regions are required to report payouts.
This link will provide current reporting for Slots Payouts.
easycasinogambling.com
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Here are 5 of the more popular Editor’s Rants that have created a buzz among readers.
Three are shortened and linked to the newsletter archive online so you can read the entire rant.
1) STOP (Slots Total Offend Players) Awards 2006.
Over a year has past and a new year is upon us, therefore, I believe it is time to face the ugly truth and pass out the STOP Awards for the worst payouts offered in the US Slots Playground.
These 'selective' awards include only those land-based gaming areas that report and regulate their payouts, thereby allowing a conclusion based on published statistics.
I have taken into consideration the ‘horrible hit’ that MS and LA took this past year.
Harrah’s has some ‘splainin’ to do with several of their properties. Harrah’s owns or manages the Horseshoe and Caesars brand casinos as I note below and has at least one STOP award for each gaming jurisdiction except 3.
An argument can be made that with the large number of Harrah’s (including Caesars and Horseshoe brands) properties in the US; it is inevitable that they would be noticed for STOP nominations.
The other side of that argument is--with Harrah’s facing competition in many gaming markets, why not increase the payouts? Rather than being the lowball payouts in the area, why not ‘show up’ the other casinos and in turn attract more casino players?
Atlantic City: Showboat, Caesars and Sands.
Tropicana and Trump Plaza are back in ‘better payouts’ territory but this research begs the
question, “What happened to Harrah’s Caesars?” I remember when Caesars was tops for payouts and comps.
Illinois: Harrah's Metropolis, Hollywood Aurora and Par-A-Dice. Harrah's Joliet is better than last year, but attention should be paid to Metropolis.
Indiana: Resorts, Harrah’s Horseshoe and Aztar, Evansville. Blue Chip is out of the line-up from last year’s results.
Iowa: Harrah’s Bluffs Run, Harrah’s Council Bluffs and Catfish Bend.
A double whammy by Harrah’s tosses Mississippi Belle 2 into the ‘better’ column.
Louisiana: Lake Charles area yet again. Yikes--after 4 nominations, you would think there might be some improvements.
You guessed it--Harrah’s does have a casino in this area, however to be fair; there is also Isle of Capri and L’Auberge du Lac.
Missouri: Aztar, Caruthersville, Mark Twain and Harrah’s. Harrah’s again knocks out St. Jo Frontier per last year.
Nevada: Lake Tahoe, Vegas Strip, and Laughlin. These three nominees are the same as last year with a difference. Tahoe is now first in STOP. Hmm…doesn’t Harrah’s have properties in all three areas? I report, you decide.
Colorado: Central City region includes: Fortune Valley, Doc Holiday and Famous Bonanza/Easy Street. Same ol’, same ‘ol CO nominee.
Connecticut: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun seesaw back and forth, so I declare a tie.
Between the two casinos, there is a gigantic inventory of slots, yet the overall payouts are consistently in the 91-92% range! Prime candidates for a STOP Award in my judgment.
Mississippi: Vicksburg, Natchez and Greenville take the top STOP award in a big change from the last two reports when North-Tunica area was nominated.
Have the North casinos being listening to ranting slot players? We can hope, can’t we?
2) Downloadable Slots
I wrote:
"One of the most exciting innovations, in my opinion, is downloadable technology.
This concept involves a central server that permits a casino to download various slot machine games from an equipment provider and reconfigure game content quickly.
However, now, I must admit my opinion has taken a downward dive to what may be a not-so-great trend.
Yikes, casino management can change payouts! I can't count the number of times that I have received the question, "Don't the casinos 'flip a switch' to change payouts?"
"Not without a lot of trouble, involving the slot mfg. and possibly gaming commission. They are also placing their gaming license in jeopardy if they don't comply with regulated procedures before the change" was a constant reply, but now they appear to have the approval because of new technology.
Read More at: casinoplayersezine.com.
Further about this subject:
Gayle: If a casino can change the payout on its own, it's all over for The Public. Frank.
3) Tipping
To Tip or Not to Tip—ahhh, that is the question.
It is particularly relevant topic for casino players where ‘greasing palms’ is practiced everywhere for services—in the casino, hotel, restaurants, valet, airport and baggage handling.
It seems to me that there is a created ‘tipping mentality’ when it comes to casinos/hotels.
Nowhere else do you feel compelled to Tip than when you visit a casino and/or stay in a casino destination.
Services that I require at home include the butcher, the baker and the clean-maker (dry cleaners) yet I don’t tip them.
Why do I feel compelled to ‘pay the piper’ when I am in the slots playground?
Read More at: casinoplayersezine.com.
4) The Decline of Full-Pay VP in La-La Land.
Remember the days when all Vegas locals' casinos had bountiful full-pay Video Poker versions and your most pressing decision was "Do I play 9/6 Jacks+, 10/7 Double Bonus with a generous 50 coin full house payout or 9/5 Deuces Wild?"
No waiting and hoping for other players to leave, because "I'll just play this machine nearby". The exception was a large VP progressive that teams of locals were hogging and hammering for the win.
Well...say good-bye, my VP playing friends, for due to a shortsighted marketing policy and the downright greed of casino management, the full-pays are disappearing rapidly in La-La land.
Read More at: casinoplayersezine.com.
5) Casino Noise
Larry gave me a chuckle with his hilarious, but true e-mail. I remember many moons ago, doing a rant about this same topic--in my case, the Wheel of Fortune slot.
I can surely relate. Thanks to Larry.
Gayle: Read your review of the Double Triple Diamond Deluxe with Cheese slot machine and noted that you failed to mention one feature. For many years, I thought it would be impossible for them to come up with a slot more obnoxious to those nearby than Bell Ringer, which can induce a surprise-prompted coronary with its random "boings" when sitting in promotional mode or actually being played.
However, I can assure you that Bell Ringer is positively benign compared to the irritation factor offered by Double Triple Diamond Deluxe with Cheese. Every spin produces a loud "Duh, DUH, duh, DUH, duh, DUUUH!" followed by "dings" when it hits even a small payout -- and by a much louder and repetitive commotion when the player moves to the bonus levels.
Even worse, if someone chooses to enter credits one at a time rather than just hitting the "Max Bet" button, the litany becomes: "BOING, BOING, BOING, Duh, DUH, duh, DUH, duh, DUUUH!"
They put a bank of these machines right next to some of my favorite Video Poker machines at the Luxor and I have almost had to quit playing those machines in order to maintain my sanity.
Indeed, a couple of trips ago, I went down about 5:30 a.m. to pursue the progressive jackpot, which was fairly large, and a fellow came up about five minutes later, sat down at the Cheese machine closest to me and immediately hit a 500-credit payout. For the next 2-1/2 hours, he played on and I was continuously bombarded with "BOING, BOING, BOING, Duh, DUH, duh, DUH, duh, DUUUH!" They barely let me out of the asylum in time to catch my flight back to Texas three days later! Aaarrrrgghhh!
In short, slot designers need to be aware that what sounds cute when played a couple of times in the development lab can turn into a modern version of Chinese water torture when repeated thousands of times on the casino floor -- especially in cacophony with 15 or 20 other loud sound effects from similar nearby machines.
About the only thing I can say in favor of Cheese is that it's at least not repulsively ill mannered as is the case with the burping, spitting good ol' boys on Little Green Men.
It's almost enough to make one return to the drunks at the black jack table. Thanks for letting me rant. Larry.
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Issue #101 to be released in early June continues with a preview of 2007 slots, this time from Williams Gaming.
Also, find Slot Reviews, a new Question of the Month and Jackpot Bulletin: Winning Jackpot Stories.
We invite all casino players to Make the Choice and visit yourcasinovoice.com.
Stay tuned for the most slots information on the Net.
Until next we meet in the Slots Playground...Gayle.
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