Midwest Gaming and Destinations - March 2019

MARCH/APRIL VOL. 21 ISSUE 2 GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM $5.00

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SLOT FLOORS OF THE MIDWEST

PAGE 6

LET ITBASICRIDE: STRATEGY

PAGE 23

HOT SLOTS OF 2019 ...OUR TOP PICKS PAGE 12

PLUS: TIPS ON BLACKJACK • CRAPS • VIDEO POKER & MORE!

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LETTER

from the Publisher

UP FRONT with G. DOUGLAS

PUBLISHER

Gaming Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT

G. Douglas Dreisbach

wanted to bring you a few of our favorite casino

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

each of them. When it comes to casino comfort,

MANAGING EDITOR

be on our list. We like open-air concepts where you

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

are a plus as well, so you don’t bump people or get

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

floors from around the region and what we like about there are several things that are ‘musts’ in order to

can see the full span of the gaming floor, wide-aisles bumped by people while playing a machine. We also think good ventilation is important... no one wants to smell like smoke for a week after you leave! Our

listing of top slot floors is featured on page 6, so be Welcome to our annual slot guide showcasing the hottest new games around the region as well as

some of our favorite places to play them. It seems that every year, manufacturers embrace the latest

technology and trends to create new machines with flashy graphics and superior sound delivering the ultimate game play experience. Whether you are

playing one of the popular Wheel of Fortune family of games, Life or other machine that catches your eye, the new game features we are seeing today

are sure keep you entertained with every spin. The

sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

game, where the payouts are based on the ‘Electric Rush’ feature. There is an actual orb graphic that

zaps everything to increase, or decrease, prizes on a random multiplier. These and several others caught our attention, and we hope you enjoy them too! Be

sure to check out page 12 for a full rundown of some

of our favorite games from top manufacturers around

2

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Frank Scoblete Alexander Chopra

Louisville, KY 40207

casino told you, they cannot determine which slots

e-mail:

forget to check out John Grochowski’s article on

The goal of this publication is to help

is random, and no matter what that person at the

(502) 212-5177

will payout more often. With that being said, don’t

editor@gaminganddestinations.com

page 18, where he dives into the inner workings of

drive awareness of the ever-growing

different machines and gets to the bottom of how they work.

to vote in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. We

popularity of the gaming industry and to assist gamers in enjoying their gaming experience to the fullest.

Gaming and Destinations is published for those who seek the best in gaming and in life, and is produced bimonthly

by Gaming Media Group Inc. of

to publish in the May Issue, so mark your calendars

Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2017

of the Ultimate Casino Getaway soon…so stay

Rights Reserved. This publication is

and join the excitement. We will also pick the winner tuned! The casino properties throughout the region offer the best dining, entertainment, amenities and

more... we look forward to highlighting the ones that our readers feel are the best of the best.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and as always, if you can’t be good…be lucky!

by Gaming Media Group Inc. All printed by Publisher’s Printing Co., Inc. of Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

Postage is paid in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.

Opinions of columnists are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor does Gaming and Destinations assume liability for claims of advertisers.

POSTMASTER:

If you are going to play the slots in a casino, you comfortable and can relax. With that in mind, we

John Grochowski

floating around. Rest assured that each machine

the world.

should at least be sure to play at a place you are

Bill Burton

136 St. Matthews Ave. #300

received over 20,000 votes and are tallying the results

the innovative Lightning Zap Jackpots video slot

Linda Boyd

payout jackpots, there are many debates and theories

touch, giving the players the opportunity to literally continues to deliver great new games, including

Hill Harcourt

GAMING AND DESTINATIONS

Lastly, we want to thank everyone who took the time

reach out and spin the wheel! Also, Everi Gaming

Michelle Bair

When it comes to slot strategy and how machines

new Wheel of Fortune 4D featuring Vanna White offers 75-paylines with a ‘fourth dimension’ of

Larry Bisig

Send address changes

to Gaming and Destinations,

G. Douglas Dreisbach President & Publisher

136 St. Matthews Ave. #300 Louisville, KY 40207

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

6

Slot Floors of the Midwest:

The pictures of these sparkling slot spaces will have you eager for a visit!

22 Poker:

26 Casino Directory:

Giving a False Tell

A Simple and Fun Game

12 Hot Slots of 2019:

Our preferred properties and attractions

28 Sports Wagering:

Future odds on major sporting events

24 Craps:

Flashy themes of some of the hottest games around

18 Slot Speculations: Theories and Questions Answered:

HIGHLIGHTS & HOT SPOTS:

23 Let it Ride:

FEATURE ARTICLES

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

Deconstructing the Constructors

25 Video Poker:

Accurate Assumptions

The mechanics of how games work and philosophical debates

6

18

28

Find us on Facebook

12

@MidwestCasinos G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

3

FACTS & FUN STUFF SIPS WITH GAMING & DESTINATIONS

DID YOU KNOW

1 2

?

WHAT YEAR DID CHARLES FEY INVENT THE FIRST SLOT MACHINE? A. 1919 B. 1927

4

WHAT ARE SLOT MACHINES CALLED IN AUSTRALIA? A. Crikey Crooks B. Lollies

C. 1899

C. Pokies

D. 1887

D. Moolah Mates

WHAT COUNTRY HAS THE MOST SLOT MACHINES? A. Japan B. United States

5

HOW TALL IS SLOTZILLA IN LAS VEGAS? THE LARGEST SLOT MACHINE IN THE WORLD. A. 128 feet

C. Australia

B. 100 feet

D. United Kingdom

C. 77 feet D. 55 feet

DERBY CITY GAMING LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY DERBYCITYGAMING.COM 502-961-7600 BARTENDER: MIA BUECHLER

If you are looking for the best bourbon in the world, Louisville, Kentucky is a great place to start. Combine it with a first-class gaming facility, and you are sure to have a winner.

Check out this twist on the traditional Old Fashioned created by Mia Buechler at Derby City Gaming in Louisville. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 1.5oz of Woodford Reserve Bourbon

3

SLOT MACHINES LOCATED CLOSER TO THE CASINO ENTRANCE: A. Have higher payouts

Answers: 1.) D 2.) A 3.) B 4.) C 5.) A

BOURBON BARREL STOUT OLD FASHIONED

B. Have the same win percentage as other machines C. Always have chairs that spin D. None of the above

Percentage of casino revenue generated by penny slots.

50

.5oz of The Beer Syrup: Bourbon Barrel Stout Simple Syrup

35

The number of years a Nevada prison had a casino inside for Inmates.

(1932-1967)

2 Filthy Food Black Cherries 1 Orange Slice

5 million

2 Dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters 1 Cube of KY Straight Ice Instructions: 1. Muddle the Cherries, Orange Slice, Beer Syrup and Bitters in a Mixing Glass

Number of slot machines in Japan.

2300 BC

2. Stir in Ice 3. Strain into an Old Fashioned Glass with a KY Straight Ice Cube 4. Zest an Orange Rind 5. Garnish with Cherry and Orange Rind 4

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Approximate year definitive evidence of gambling was first discovered.

$1 MILLION

Jackpot won on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine on Christmas Eve in 2018.

SLOT FLOORS SLOT of The Midwest CAS I NO

GUIDE 2019

W

OU R TOP P ICK S:

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT

“As guests traverse the slot floor, they

and worth a visit? In our opinion, it’s the perfect blend of various components. First and foremost, we don’t like to feel crammed, so the floors that are easy to move around in are definitely a must. No one wants to be bumped in the chair while trying to play his or her favorite machine! We also love the casinos that have subtle background music, but not blasting so loud that you literally have to SHOUT your conversation in order to speak with the person sitting next to you. We feel for the non-smokers as well. The ventilation of the floor is extremely important, as cigarette smoke can be unbearable for those who don’t partake.

& CASINO (WELCH, MINNESOTA)

are excited by the great variety of new

TICASINO.COM

games,” according to Slot Director

800-222-7077

Michael Jankoviak. “You can expect to

high denominations. Slot players come

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

We are confident that the gaming floors selected in this year’s Top Slot Floors of 2019 will meet your expectations as they have certainly blown our standards out of the water. Our goal is to enhance your slot experience, so use this as a guide on

to Treasure Island for the experience.

(RISING SUN, INDIANA)

The service they receive from the minute

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

they enter the resort is extraordinary as

800-472-6311

front of that hot slot and take lady luck

Square Footage on the floor: 40,000

your next gaming quest!

for a spin! With more than 2,200 slot,

Most Popular Machines: Buffalo Gold and Lightning Link

hat makes a slot floor amazing

Number of Machines: 2,200 Square Footage on the Floor: 90,000 Most Popular Machines:

favorites that are hard to find elsewhere.”

Slot Director: Michael Jankoviak Treasure Island Casino has a great variety of new and classic with something for everyone with denominations ranging from $0.01 to

team members enjoy creating magical moments for its guests. Grab a seat in

at The Island. The spacious gaming floor offers an outstanding variety of the newest specialty slots, classics favorites like blackjack, video keno, video roulette, video poker and several

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nostalgia as you see some of your classic

Dragon Link, Lock it Link, Cash Link

excitement waits around every corner

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you walk further, you are hit with a bit of

Lightning Link, Ultimate Fire Link,

video poker and video keno machines,

Treasure Island’s colorful slot floor space.

see something new with each visit. As

hundred smoke-free machines.

The slot floor area at Rising Star Casino Resort.

Number of Machines: 897

Director of Slots: Paul S. Theunissen Rising Star Casino Resort features nearly 1,000 plus of the newest and best machines available. They also come in your favorite denominations from pennies and nickels to dimes and dollars – you want it, they’ve got it. They have

reels, video poker, and of course, the

Marilyn Monroe, Fu Nan Fu Nu,

ways to win for every level of player.

latest and greatest multi-line, high-

and Harley Davidson, with three new

Whether you prefer to try something

tech, super vivid video slots. If keno or

Monopoly Millionaire games

new or play an old favorite like Blazing

progressive games are your favorites,

coming soon.

7s®, Buffalo™, or Super Jackpot Party®,

Rising Star has those too. All of the

GREEKTOWN CASINO - HOTEL

Greektown has the perfect game for you.

(DETROIT MICHIGAN)

“Slot players enjoy playing at Greektown

GREEKTOWNCASINO.COM

Casino-Hotel because we have an

313-223-2999

excellent variety of slot machines,

machines are serviced by Rising Star’s courteous and friendly staff whose only goal is to make your visit as fun and thrilling as possible.

“Our slot employees are really what sets us apart,” said Director of Slots Paul S. Theunissen.

“We treat our guests like family, and we do whatever it takes to ensure that they have a great experience each and every time.”

Rising Star is also working on making its floor offerings even better by improving sightlines and featuring the beauty of the riverboat, “which is home to our gaming area,” Theunissen said.

“Through new machine acquisitions and floor moves, we hope to add excitement, and at the same time, improve the overall feel and comfort of the casino.”

Some of the new games include: include

including hundreds of the latest games

Number of Machines: 2,700 Square Footage on the Floor: 100,000

and classic favorites,” according to Slot Manager Hugh Flack. “Guests

Most Popular Machines: Synergy Table

are treated like family, and our team

Games, Lightning Link, and Dragon

members take pride in building genuine

Link, to name a few.

relationships with them.”

Slot Manager: Hugh Flack

Located in downtown Detroit’s historic

Home of the hottest slots in Detroit,

Greektown Entertainment district,

Greektown Casino has nearly 3,000

Greektown Casino’s gaming floor offers

ways to hit it bigger and better. The

a great experience for new players and

casino has a wide range of gaming and

seasoned gamers alike.

entertainment experiences throughout its floor, ranging from the our exciting electronic table games arena, Synergy

amenities like our new food hall, Monroe Market, and old favorites, like

Table Games, to its dedicated video

our signature fine dining restaurant,

poker room and high denomination areas. From 1 cent to $100 slot and video poker machines, there are countless

“We have friendly staff, great new

Prism,” Flack said. “We’re certain that we have something to offer any type of player!”

The main slot floor area at Greektown Casino-Hotel.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT (CARLTON, MINNESOTA) BLACKBEARCASINORESORT.COM 888-771-0777 Number of machines: 1850 Square Footage on the Floor: 88,000 Most Popular Machines: BUFFALO Aristocrat, TIMBERWOLF Aristocrat, AUTUMN MOON Aristocrat, BUFFALO GOLD Aristocrat, and Rhythm City Casino Resort’s slot floor space.

CHINA SHORES Konami.

Slot Director: Richard Grandieri

RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

the Feature Bar or dance to live music in

(DAVENPORT, IOWA)

the Rhythm Room (shows on Fridays

RHYTHMCITYCASINO.COM

and Saturdays)!

844-852-4386 Number of Machines: 850 Square Footage on the Floor: 35,000

Rhythm City Casino Resort has a good variety of older and new games as well.

“Our high limit slots offer the comfort of being out of the mainstream,” according

Most Popular Machines: Lighting

to Director of Slots Diana Pulse. “We

Link and Dragon Link

have expanded our slot floor with 60+

Black Bear Casino Resort has a wide variety of game themes with seating to make you feel as comfortable as possible. The Slot Department does its best to offer everything you could possibly want from penny games, to higher denomination slots with a score of progressive machines found across

games. We offer live music on Friday

the gaming floor. If video poker is your

and Saturday evenings. Our employee’s

game, you will enjoy Black Bear’s liberal

Whether you are an experienced

high standards and warm hospitality

payouts!

or novice gamer, the casino floor at

keep our players returning.”

The casino-resort also partners with

Some of the new games include: Fu Nan

major game manufacturers to offer its

Fu- AGS, Wheels Go Round- Aruze,

players a diverse mix of entertaining

Jackpot Party Ultimate Party Spin- Far

gaming experiences for every kind of

Out Orange and Groovy Grape- Bally,

player. Always striving to be the first to

Wonder 4 Boost- Aristocrat, and Lazer

deliver the latest and newest games in

Lock- Everi.

the state, Black Bear wants you to enjoy

Director of Slots: Diana Pulse

Rhythm City has you covered. The main casino floor comes together with the live poker, the Vegas-like High Limits Lounge, the Feature Bar and the Rhythm Room to create the perfect escape. And, when you game at Rhythm City, you’re gaming locally as the casino

your time in the casino. Don’t forget to

is fully owned by native Iowans!

indulge in the delicious food! When you

This is a space that also allows you to

are feeling hungry, sink your teeth into

play socially or retreat quietly into your

some delectable cuisine at your choice

zone while roaming 32,000 square feet of slot machines and table games

of: Seven Fires Steakhouse, Sage Deli,

(electronic and traditional). With more

Coffee Shop, or the Black Bear Casino

than 1,000 gaming options, the biggest

Resort Buffet.

challenge will be choosing! Break for a cold beverage and in-bar video poker at 8

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

The main slot floor area at Black Bear Casino Resort.

More Action, Fun, Entertainment & Rewards!

GOLF COURSE

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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Number of Machines: 1,100 Square Footage on the Floor: 52,000 Most Popular Machines: Dragon Link, Lightning Link (Aristocrat), Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel (EVERI), Dancing Drums (Scientific Games) Interim Slot Director: Casey Wilson Slot Manager: Mike Shigwadja Come experience the spacious 52,000 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s slot floor area.

square ft. casino floor—one of the biggest in Northern Michigan—

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

“If you’re looking for an exceptional

featuring the latest and most popular

(MT. PLEASANT, MICHIGAN)

gaming experience, visit Soaring

casino slot games. Whether you want to

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

Eagle Resort and Casino in the heart

play penny slots or go for the ultimate

888-732-4537

of Michigan where we make winning

payout at the $100 denomination slots,

happen!”

you’ll find all your favorite reels, video,

Number of Machines: 3,056 Square Footage on the Floor: 200,000

TURTLE CREEK CASINO & HOTEL (WILLIAMSBURG, MICHIGAN)

Most Popular Machines: Lightning

TURTLECREEKCASINO.COM

Link, Black Diamond, Top Dollar

800-922-2WIN

Slot Dept. Director: Chris Bailey

keno, and video poker games. Turtle Creek is the place to be for a fun night on the slots!

“High ceilings with skylights running down the center, and soft ambient

Soaring Eagle Casino has a large open concept gaming floor with easy access to six food outlets, a sports bar, entertainment hall, and high end Resort Hotel.

“Our players come back because we focus on offering a high return to our players and providing maximum time on device for money wagered,” according to Slot Director Chris Bailey. “We feature a newly renovated non-smoking slot room, High Limit slot and table area with VIP lounge.”

Soaring Eagle keeps it’s slot offerings fresh by replacing 8% of its slot machines each year with the newest, most popular slot games available.

“We also offer over 200 video poker games with 9/6 pay tables,” Bailey said.

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The spacious slot floor area at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.

Derby City Gaming’s spacious gaming floor.

lighting at night creates a warm and friendly night time gaming floor,” said Interim Slot Director Casey Wilson.

Number of Machines: 900 Square Footage on the Floor: 35,000

are determined by the results of horse races that have already taken place. It doesn’t have to be horse-racing season

“Our water wall at the front of the

Most Popular Machines: Pac Man,

to get lost on the magic of horse-racing

building creates a great backdrop for

Rumble Rumble, Mustang Fortune

results! This concept might sound a bit

photo opportunities to remember your visit.”

Wilson also mentioned that the staff at Turtle Creek Casino is the friendliest you’ll encounter in Michigan, and that they take excellent customer service to the next level. “We take pride in our spacious floor layout,” she said, “with easy and comfortable access to all of our slots, and our floor is always up-todate with the most exciting new games from many of today’s best slot machine developers.”

Senior Director of Gaming Operations: Patrick Duggan

out of the norm, but gaming enthusiasts are jumping at the chance to play them whenever they can. The property

Visit Louisville Kentucky’s Derby City

also features multiple places to grab a

Gaming to experience a trifecta of

quick bite or kick back and enjoy live

gaming, food, and fun at every turn!

entertainment.

While Derby City Gaming technically doesn’t have slot machines, it still makes the list as one of the top gaming floors in the region. This new gaming property opened last year and features 900 games with over 60 different themes. Rather than traditional slot machines, Derby City Gaming features ‘historical racing

DERBY CITY GAMING

machines’ that have similar graphics

(LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY)

and sounds as a traditional machine, but

DERBYCITYGAMING.COM

instead of game results being determined

502-961-7600

by a random number generator, they

“Our friendly staff is serving up some Southern favorites at Lil’ Wagner’s and Railbirds which features some of the best hot chicken in town,” according to Senior Director of Gaming Operations, Patrick Duggan. “Round out your trip with a stop at our Center Bar to experience some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon… and it’s all just minutes from downtown Louisville!”

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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CAS I NO

SLOT GUIDE 2019

I

HOT SLOTS of 2019

OUR TOP PICKS By: John Grochowski

penny machine your bet range is $1-

t’s a slot player’s world in modern casinos.

$5. With a bet of at least 300 credits, you qualify for a big-money wide-area

Slots are by far the hottest games around, with their popularity having surpassed table games decades ago.

Casinos and slot manufacturers alike know they have a good thing going.

Their business is to keep you coming back for more with new bonus wrinkles, new ways to play, exciting themes, ever-sharper graphics and sound effects.

This year, we’re seeing new spins on old favorites, creative games with variable paybacks, colorful jackpots with payback upgrades for a small ante, and much more.

So with eager anticipation, let’s take a look at Hot Slots of 2019.

FORTUNE LINK, IGT Long a pioneer in slots with progressive jackpots, IGT turns it all up a notch with a new lock and re-spin feature.

Initially, the feature is available on two themes: Feline Fortune and Egyptian Fortune.

progressive jackpot. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, wide-area progressives link multiple casinos so that portions of wagers at different casinos help build the same pot.

Among the game features are original audio and video featuring TV show hostess Vanna White. When you reach out There’s a twist: Every time you add a Fortune to that 3D wheel to give it a spin, Vanna Link symbol, you reset to three re-spins. If you get no Fortune Links on the first two respins, but get one on the third, the meter returns to three re-spins.

You select wedges from the wheel, and the wedges turn over to reveal items that

screen with Fortune Links symbols wins the

jackpot.

top jackpot.

Wheel of Fortune lovers – and there are a

WHEEL OF FORTUNE 4D FEATURING VANNA WHITE, IGT No new year would be complete without a new spin on Wheel of Fortune. This 75-payline video slot comes on IGT’s new

Once you’ve collected the required number of symbols, they remain locked in place during the Fortune Link feature. You then get three re-spins to collect more Fortune Link symbols.

touching the screen or pushing a button to

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

Another feature ¬is a jackpot bonus event.

The more Fortune Link symbols you collect, correspond to a jackpot amount. Once you reveal three matching items, you win their the bigger your prize. Filling the entire

Collecting either four, five or six fortune, link symbols in the base triggers the Fortune Link series. The difference in the requirement is your bet: Higher coin denominations mean you can launch the feature with fewer symbols.

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cheers you on.

CrystalCurve True 4D gaming machine.

The fourth dimension in “True 4D” is touch.

You can reach out to three-dimensional images and get a touch sensation. Instead of spin a prize wheel, you can reach out to the 3D image in front of the screen and give the wheel a spin.

You can bet from 100 to 500 coins, so on a

lot of them among slot players – will enjoy the new spin on a longtime favorite. And any slot player should at least get a look at what 4D can do. It’s spectacular!

MISTRESS OF EGYPT BINGO, IGT IGT has something for Class II players with a bingo version of the hit Mistress of Egypt game. Class II bingo slots are staples in many Native American casinos.

The player interface is slot-like, but the internal game that determines winners is electronic bingo.

During the base game, a pyramid symbol rotates on the top screen and levitates in the Mistress’ hands until she releases it onto the reels. There, it can cover any symbol and become wild. Huge stacks of Mistress Symbols provide big wins, with five stacks triggering the top award.

Players who enjoy Egyptian-themed art packaging and frequent free-games will find what they’re looking for in this 3x5 reel, 20 pay-line game.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE CASH LINK, IGT

THE GAME OF LIFE – CAREER DAY, SCIENTIFIC GAMES WMS Gaming, which now is under the Scientific Games corporate umbrella, had

The five-reel video slots feature a multi-

success with it’s the Game of Life slots a

level progressive on two base games:

while back, Now, under license from board

Exotic Far East and Latin Getaways.

game owner Hasbro, Scientific Games

Both are on IGT’s Crystal Wheel gaming

creates a new slot adventure with a new

machine, with high-resolution HD video

three-reel game, The Game of Life –

and a 20-inch wheel.

The Cash Link comes into play whenever you land a treasure chest on the fifth reel.

When that happens, you win credits in the value of gold coins displayed when the treasure chest opens.

A free games bonus is triggered when free games symbols land on “reels:” one, three, and five, and can be retriggered for up to 200 free spins.

Career Day. Players spin the reels and travel through life while collecting credit prizes, bonuses, and jackpots. Career Day is a 3-reel, 9-line game on the TwinStar J43 with iReels cabinet. The game boasts a life-changing, single-level, wide-area progressive jackpot that can be won in the base game and is part of Scientific Games’ Cash Connection or Reel Adventures links.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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LIGHTNING ZAP JACKPOTS, EVERI

The game’s centerpiece is the Game of Life Bonus where players are assigned one of four careers - a firefighter, pro athlete,

With no reels, no paylines and no pay tables,

construction worker or culinary chef. You then spin for paydays, raises and spins of a

Everi creates a new play experience that builds on the original Lightning Zap game.

wheel that award moves around the game board.

Stops along the way award credit prizes,

Everi calls the jackpot games “innovation on video slots,” available on three game themes: Electric Rush, Power Burst and Super Charge. Each has varying volatility levels and different features, and the series incorporates five linked progressives.

additional spins of the wheel, and extra bonuses such as, the Weekend Getaway with free spins where reel 2 is Wild and all pays are multiplied by three; or the Groundhog Day Bonus where the reels spin and stop until a winning combination is awarded.

The goal is to reach the Retirement Island Bonus board game where even more prizes, multipliers, and bonuses are available.

BLAZING X GAME SERIES, SCIENTIFIC GAMES With two game themes – Blazing X – Asia and Blazing X – Las Vegas, this innovative series ramps up player anticipation for the possibility of Blazing X Multipliers on each spin.

Both themes are five-reel, 40-line video slots on the TwinStar J43 cabinet. There are four progressive jackpot levels available in a jackpot pick feature in which players touch the screen, not only to determine their jackpot level, but also for a multiplier that can put jackpot winnings into hyperdrive.

The Blazing X Feature, triggered when a Wild Banner symbol lands on reel 3, awards a 2x multiplier for three spins. For every Wild Banner symbol that lands during the three spins, the Blazing X multiplier increases to 3x, 5x, 10x and up to 25x. Blazing X also can be triggered during a Free Games Bonus. And if the Free Games Bonus is awarded during the Blazing X Feature, the current Blazing 14

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X multiplier is applied to all Free Games wins. During the free games, additional Wild Banner symbols achieved within three spins increases the multiplier. A Blazing X multiplier streak can really set your credit meter soaring

How does it work with no pay tables? Your prizes can vary. Check out the Electric Rush feature where an orb zaps everything to increase prizes by a random multiplier, then zaps away at prizes. In the Power Burst feature, the orb turns into a magnet and sucks in anywhere from four to 22 prizes. Each prize can be upgraded by a random multiplier. In the Super Charge feature, the orb selects four to eight prizes and increases them up to 1,000 times.

SMOKIN’ HOT STUFF WICKED WHEEL, EVERI Hot Stuff, the little devil of comic

even more potentially lucrative. During the randomly awarded Jackpot Pick feature, you touch and select icons until you match

book fame, was a red-hot winner in the

three of a kind, which awards a guaranteed

original Smokin’ Hot Stuff slot. Now the

jackpot pay.

spin in which one or more Wilds appears.

A Nudge Feature may be triggered randomly on any base-game spin in which one or more Wilds appear. When you win

mischievous imp with his asbestos diaper

the Nudge, all Wilds on the screen will

and trusty trident returns in a 243 ways

form full stacks of Wilds.

to win slot, perfect for pennies, packed

Three or more bonus symbols awards the

with multipliers, a progressive pick bonus

Free Game Bonus, and during the free

and progressive jaclpots available at all bet

spons, the Nudge is in full force -- any

levels

Wilds on the screen nudge to form full

The progressive pick bonus is triggered randomly after any base game spin.

Wild stacks. Free spins can be retriggered,

Players pick from 25 coins to reveal either

adding anticipation to gameplay.

a progressive jackpot or pitchfork symbol.

The Jackpot Bonus is randomly triggered

Hot Stuff removes the lowest remaining

if one or more Wilds appear. During this

jackpot each time his pitchfork is revealed,

feature, the player touches and picks from

thus guaranteeing higher prizes.

12 coins until they match three coins to

Also available is the Wicked Wheel

win one of the three jackpots or another

bonus, triggered when three wicked wheel

Free Game Bonus.

symbols land scattered on reels 3, 4, or 5. When a Hot Stuff symbol is part of a winning combination on reels 2, 3, or 4, it multiplies the winning combination by 2x, 3x, or 4x for some smokin’ payoffs.

RAKIN’ BACON XTREME JACKPOTS, AMERICAN GAMING SYSTEMS A cherubic pig in a gold coin-filled room is a central figure in this five-reel game with a multi-level progressive that’s packed full of player-favorite features, including free spins, multipliers and scatter pays.

As the wins add up, the golden pig gets fatter and fatter, until the player wins the

EMERALD PRINCESS, AMERICAN GAMING SYSTEMS The second game in AGS’ Fa Cai Shu family reprises the lucky money tree that brings the chance for fun and fortune.

Free Game Bonus and the golden pig

Among the features are a three-level

explodes to reveals a pick screen. That

progressive jackpot, Free Game Bonus,

screen gives you the chance to choose

and a Jackpot Bonus. During base-game

three different reel layouts for up to 3125

play, three or more bonus symbols award

ways to win.

eight free spins. The Jackpot Bonus may be

Additional free spins can be won during the Free Game Bonus, making this game

triggered randomly during any base-game G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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SPARKLING ROSES:

Color Bloom, mystery multipliers

COLOR BLOOM AND

randomly appear at random times during

CLASSY ROSES: Color Bloom, Konami Gaming: There are 15 reels worth of excitement, including multipliers and a linked progressive jackpot in a pair of colorful games from Konami.

the main game and can multiply your winnings up to 144 times.

TRIPLE SPARKLE SERIES: Solstice Celebration Triple Sparkle and Riches with Daikoku Triple Sparkle,

Inspired by Konami’s popular Sparkling

Konami Gaming: Konami gives the classic

Roses Multiple Lines 15-REELS games,

Solstice Celebration and Riches with

the new Roses games take advantage

Daikoku games a touch of glitz in the new

of the large, high-definition screens on

Triple Sparkle linked progressive series.

curved Concerto Crescent slot cabinet and

The Triple Sparkle jackpots are available

the tall Concerto Stack cabinet.

exclusively on Konami’s 65-inch 4K Ultra

Both games feature the Color Bloom

HD Concerto Opus cabinet. It features

progressive jackpot, which requires an ante bet to activate. When you make the ante, you also receive a bonus payout upgrade of two credits per line.

When active, the Color Bloom progressive feature appears randomly at any time during play, scattering Blue, Purple, and Gold jackpot rose symbols across the reels. Any three matching colored bloom symbols award the corresponding jackpot.

For extra bonus fun in Sparkling Roses:

a custom-lighted TouchDash button deck, dual spin buttons, dual cup holders, optional USB charger, and four times the pixel depth of standard HD resolution.

The 40-line games have five video reels and incorporate Konami’s Xtra Reward format as well as two progressive jackpots bonus.

Whenever Framed Action Stacked Symbols occupy all positions on two or more reels, they launch the Sparkle Feature. In the feature any reels with FRAME appearing on them are nudged until all positions on that reel have FRAME and all positions inside FRAME are replaced with the same symbol. Players can win an instant Mini bonus, Major bonus, Mega progressive, or large Maxi progressive starting at $10,000.

Those who wager at least 180 credits also have a chance at the Triple Sparkle feature.

At the end of a triggered Sparkle Feature, all framed Action Stacked Symbols are randomly replaced with the same symbol.

If a MAXI, MEGA, MAJOR BONUS or MINI BONUS symbol appears, then

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| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

the corresponding prize is awarded.

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Derby City Gaming promotes responsible gaming. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SLOT SPECULATION THEORIES AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED by

S

lot players like to think about the games they play as much as those who play any other games.

A key difference is that you can’t see the inner workings of a slot machine. You can’t watch the process by which results are determined and calculate your chances, like craps, roulette or blackjack players can.

That has long led slot players to speculate and form their own theories.

Are results really random? (Short answer: yes.) Does it make a difference to your payback percentage if you push buttons, pull handles or touch the screen? (No.) Can the casino choose who wins and who loses? (No.) Modern video slots have brought new

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JOHN GROCHOWSKI

MODERN VIDEO SLOTS HAVE BROUGHT NEW QUESTIONS INCLUDING BOTH THE MECHANICS OF HOW GAMES WORK AND DOWNLIGHT PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES. questions including both the mechanics of how games work and downright philosophical debates.

On the game mechanics side, one question

that’s been prominent in reader email is, “How can players who bet different amounts

be allowed to play for the same jackpot? Are

you better off to bet the minimum if you can win the same pot as someone betting the max?”

As for the philosophical side, skill-based games have raised the question of whether a game with no reels or reel symbols and no paylines is really a slot machine at all.

Let’s take the philosophical question first.

One example of a no payline, no reel game is Danger Arena, a skill-based game from GameCo. Danger Arena is a futuristic, first-person shooter in which your task as a player isn’t to spin reels. It’s to gun down robots.

You’re placed in a warehouse and navigate up the aisles, between shelves and stacks of crates, looking for robots. With your

controller you can turn, choose a direction, take aim and fire. The more robots you hit in the allotted time, the bigger your payback.

Time is short, and not even skilled players will get to profit territory every time. The house must have an edge, after all.

It’s fun to play, but is it a slot machine?

One answer: It is a slot as long as players embrace the games and terminology.

Games such as Danger Arena can be seen as a logical development in the wake of bonus events that are highly anticipated in video slots. A no-reel slot such as Danger Arena is like playing nothing but bonus events without reel spins in between. The main difference is that you have to wager to play Danger Arena, while bonus events are no-bet portions of most games.

Still, we have more than two decades of bonus event precedent that states players accept non-reel spinning portions of games as important components of slot machines.

In Reel ’Em In, the WMS Gaming 1997 breakthrough that gave video slots their original beachhead in their rise to popularity, players were amazed when the reels faded from the screen and were replaced by fishermen on a pond. Those same players were thrilled when their fisherman landed a big one to send their credit meters through the roof.

There was no question that the game as a whole was still a slot machine.

The same goes for early games with skillbased bonus events. One of the first was Bally Technologies’ Pong. Those who had played Pong as a video arcade game were right at home with the bonus that had them position a white line “paddle” to bat a square “ball” back to the other side of the screen.

That bonus event looked nothing like traditional slot games, but the whole package remained a slot machine. So did slots with wheel-spinning bonuses, trivia questions, Battleship grids and more.

Before its merger into IGT, Atronic even

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock designed a slot that was all bonus. What players loved best about Deal or No Deal slots was the suitcase-picking bonus, so Atronic produced a version that was all about the suitcases with no reels involved.

If that’s a slot, then so is Danger Arena.

In the original sense, virtually no games are really slot machines anymore. They don’t have coin heads, so there is no slot to drop in coins to activate machines. A few older machines with coin heads remain in play at some locations, but mostly, we buy in with paper currency or tickets.

The term “slot machine” has been around since the 1880s. It originally referred to any coin-operated device. If you dropped coins into a machine and got a chocolate bar, you were buying your candy from a slot machine.

That changed in the 1900s, and slot machine came to mean specifically coin-operated gambling devices. The term has persisted through the elimination of coin slots, and it’s almost certain to persist through the changes on modern gambling devices.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE JACKPOTS? To get back to the purely mechanical question of how players with different

bet sizes can play for the same jackpot, it requires an understanding of how such jackpots work.

You’ll often find them on multi-tiered jackpots with levels such a mini, minor, major and grand, or copper, silver, gold and platinum. There can be two levels, or there can be 12 or more. And the formats described here do work with single-level jackpots, though they’re more often used with multiple tiers Just as an example, all jackpots on a penny slot can be available regardless of whether you bet one coin per line, two per line, or more.

One way to make it work is to make the jackpots a side bet. To be eligible for the jackpots, you must make the side bet in addition to a wager on the main game.

The jackpots then are funded out of the side bet.

If you and I each are making 30-cent side bets, then it makes no difference that perhaps I’m also betting 30 cents on the main 30-line game while you’re betting $3. We’re betting the same amount on the jackpot, and so we can have equal chances to win them.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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With no side bets, players with different bet sizes still can play for the same jackpots, but those who bet more have a greater chance to win. The key is mystery jackpot programming.

With mystery jackpots, you don’t need jackpot symbols to line up. If your bet pushes the jackpot to a mystery amount that has been chosen by a random number generator, you are awarded the jackpot even if you don’t have a winning combination on the screen or reels.

With mystery jackpots, the casino sets parameters and a random number generator selects a point between those parameters at which to award the jackpot.

Two common methods are to set parameters based on jackpot size, or to set them based on total wagers.

Imagine that the parameters in use involve total wagers, and that we’re looking at a mini jackpot with a starting value of $5. These typically are rapid-hit jackpots, giving you a few extra dollars to play with and letting everyone in on the progressive action.

To insure rapid hits, let’s say the casino has set low, narrow parameters with a minimum of 2,000 coins in play at machines on the link at a maximum of 10,000 coins. That’s a range of $20 to $100 in play to trigger a jackpot.

The random number generator is programmed to select a number between the $20 and $100 parameters.

If the number generated is $63.87, then the player whose wager takes the total at the bank to that amount wins the mini jackpot.

Bigger bettors have a better chance to win because they are adding more to that wager total on every spin. We don’t know what trigger amount the RNG has been selected, but let’s say it’s $63.87, that the total wagers so far have been $63.56, that I’m betting 30 cents and you’re betting $3. My 30 cent bet won’t be enough to push the total to $63.87, but your $3 bet will.

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Small bettors will win the jackpots sometimes. Big bettors will win more often.

The same goes if the parameters are set for jackpot totals instead. Imagine a major jackpot is set with a minimum payoff of $250 and a maximum of $500. As in all progressives, a portion of wagers is added to the jackpot until someone wins.

The RNG would be programmed to generate a target jackpot between those parameters. If it selected $312.11, then the player whose wager raises the pot to that total wins it.

Again, if I bet 30 cents and you bet $3, than the portion of your bet added to the jackpot will give you more chances to win than I get.

There are other ways to program slots with mystery payoffs. It’s possible to use time as a parameter, though that’s used more often with surprise bonus events than with jackpots.

Imagine an operator wants to make sure bonuses occur frequently to keep players

excited. A machine or bank of linked machines with mystery bonuses can be set so a bonus event comes up at least once every 10 minutes, and usually more often, to players who were betting enough to be eligible.

Parameters could be set at zero and 10 minutes. Then the random number generator would be told to select a number between the two parameters. If the RNG selected 4 minutes, 28 seconds, then 4:28 after the sequence began, a bonus would launch.

With mystery jackpots, the more common parameters are wager totals or jackpot size. And to answer the common readers’ question: yes, big bettors, small bettors and those in between can play for the same jackpot with bigger bettors having a bigger chance to win.

The answer is also yes for slot philosophers wondering if no-reel, no-line games are really slot machines. End of discussion? Of course not. There’s always something new in the slots, and that goes for player questions as well as for the games themselves.

PLAYER STRATEGY

POKER: Giving a False Tell Last issue I offered to our readers a few players who articulated their craps strategies – some of these strategies were good, some were mediocre and some were awful. I didn’t comment on these strategies because I wanted our readers to savor them without my own strategic articulation – meaning “Hey, I’m right but I’ll let most of these poor souls have their moments in the sun.”

The next two issues will have me offer my opinions about these various strategies. My first player is Marty, our model of a smart player.

Marty said that he makes a $10 pass line bet and he backs that with up to 10 times in odds. He also makes two come bets and will back those with odds as well. If he plays a 5X odds game he makes a $15 pass line and only one come bet and these with odds of $75 on the 4 or 10, and $100 on the 5 or 9 and $125 on the 6 or 8. He only makes two bets on a 5X game, a pass line and one come. He makes no other bets at the game.

Marty’s strategy is indeed a good one. He has selected the best bets as pass line and come betting is only fractionally worse than darkside “don’t” betting and most players refrain from being darksiders for emotional reasons. The placing of full odds is a wise choice as this bet can be made with no extra house edge added to the bet.

If Marty bets his $10 on the pass line and two come bets he will face a 1.41 percent house edge against him on them. In terms of money that means he will have a losing expectation of 14 cents per $10 wagered, making that 42 cents against those three bets, which is not bad at all. In fact, this is one of the best bets offered in the casino.

The $100 in odds on a 10X game is a break even proposition and while the game will have Marty experiencing many ups and downs, if he plays long enough those odds will be close to evening out.

Years of playing once a week will give him plenty of decisions and the more decisions the better the math works itself out. If he plays a lot during his sessions, we can see that the math of reality should come close to the math of theory. (At least he and we can hope so!)

Marty is also smart in keeping his overall risk the same in a 5X odds game by increasing his bets to $15 on the pass line and come but only making two bets on these. That means in a 5X odds game he is betting $30 combined on the pass line and 22

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by

PHIL HELLMUTH, JR.

come bets, the same amount he is betting at the 10X odds game by making three $10 wagers. The odds bets on that 5X odds game will come out to be somewhat more than on the 10X odds game but the difference (hopefully) will be something of a washout over time.

Making the odds bets at the 5X odds game based on $15 allows the dealers to pay $165 per win – a flat $15 on the line and on the come, with $150 on the odds bet.

Now Marvin has a decent strategy as he too is a traditional bettor of the pass line and come; but he is throwing too much money on the layout. He makes the lowest bet on the pass line and come, and backs these with full odds or the odds he can afford at a given game. So far, so good. But here is where he goes wrong: Marvin likes to just keep making those bets, one after another even if he winds up on all the box numbers without many or any wins being recorded. A seven-out can cripple him with so many bets hanging out there waiting to be lost.

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a 13time World Series of Poker Champion, leading all other poker players in the world.

He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, and his latest book, “Deal Me In” is widely popular. Visit PhilHellmuth.com to check out his latest blog, clothing line, and exclusive poker tips and stories. This tip column is an excerpt from his Best Selling book, “Phil Helmuth’s Texas Hold ‘Em found on Amazon and in bookstores around the world.

Keep this in mind; the more bets you make the more money you are wagering against the house edge and you must realize that each bet should be considered a totally different game against the casino. One bet is one game.

Marvin is opening himself up too much with too many wagers. Marty is doing it somewhat more conservatively by making just three wagers.

I have to say that I will make just one pass line or one come bet with full odds more often than not. That gives me one game against the casino.

My number against their number; me against the dreaded seven!

“HE TOOK THE BAIT AND CALLED MY $1,200 RAISE.”

One issue I did not cover with my fellow players was their comps. Suffice it to say that Marty will get minimal comps, a buffet, perhaps a café meal, a reduced price or maybe a free room midweek.

Marvin will probably get more since he is betting more.

It is rare that comps can make up for one’s losses so I would not consider these in relation to a proper playing strategy. Keep the house edge low, don’t make too many bets, these are the way to go!

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

by B I L L

BURTON

Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com located at: www.casinogambling.about. com He is the author of “1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets” and “Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em” available online at www. billburton.com.

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FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

LET IT RIDE: A Simple and Fun Game Let It Ride was first introduced to the casinos in 1993 by Shuffle Master Inc, the company that makes the automatic-shuffling machines.

The game is popular because it offers a potential for high pay outs. At the table, there is camaraderie among the players because they are not playing against each other or trying to beat the dealer, creating a fun atmosphere.

The game and the correct playing strategy can be learned quickly.

The House Edge for the basic game is approx.

3.5% when you play the correct strategy. You must know which hands you should take down and when to “Let It Ride”. Here is the proper strategy for this game.

Let It Ride is played on a table similar to the blackjack table. There are three circles in front of each player on the table. The circles are marked with the numbers 1, 2 and $. To start the game a player places three equal bets in each circle. The Shuffle Master machine deals out cards three at a time and the dealer places the three-card hand in front of each player. After each player receives their cards, the dealer discards one card leaving two cards face down in front of the dealer. The machine counts out the remaining cards into the discard tray. When this is finished the players are allowed to look at their three-card hand and makes the decision to take back the bets in circle number one or Let It Ride. To take back you bet you scrape your cards on the table toward you or make a brushing motion with your hand.

A Three Card Straight Flush.

After all the players have made their decisions the dealer will turn up the first of the two community cards in front of the dealer. This card is used as the forth card for all of the player’s hands. You now have the option of taking down your second bet or letting it ride.

You may take down the second bet even if you let the first bet ride but you can not take down or put the first bet back up.

After all the players make their decision about the second bet, the dealer will turn up the second community card. This card completes the five-card hand for every player. At this point the dealer will pay all the winning bets according to the pay table.

Let Bet #1 Ride if you have…

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.

A Three Card Royal Flush.

Let Bet #2 Ride if you have…

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.

A Four Card Royal or Straight Flush.

A Four Card Flush.

Four High Cards.

A Four Card Open Ended Straight. A Four Card Open Ended Straight.

There is an extra side bet you can make for a dollar when playing Let It Ride. In 1995 Shuffle Master created a tournament. Every three to six month players that qualified by getting a Royal Flush when they made the side bet were invited to a million dollar tournament. The tournament has been discontinued but the side bet can still be made for a bonus payoff when certain hands are made. The pay table for the bonus varies from casino to casino. The House Edge ranges from 15 to 30 % on these bets. As with most side bets offered by the casino, these should be avoided because the house edge is high.

Let It Ride can be a fun game for the recreational player. The game is slower than blackjack. You will be dealt about 40 hands per hour. Some casinos offer lower limit games. If you take the time to learn the simple strategy you can enjoy the excitement of this table game. Why not give it a try.

Until next time, remember: “Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever!”

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

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PLAYER STRATEGY

CRAPS: Deconstructing the Constructors There are many different kinds of bets at the game of craps and most of them go from bad to worse.

You can place a bet on the 5 or 9 and face a four percent house edge or take a chance on the 4 or 10 and face a 6.67 percent house edge or you can go nuts and face the astoundingly high house edge of 16.67 percent on the Any Seven.

Take a pick of the poison by facing disaster in the guise of attempting to win a lot of money. The fact that occasionally players win these amazingly negative expectation bets just fuels the desire of others to follow suit.

Of course, there is a sprinkling of good bets at the game (the pass line, the come, the don’t pass and don’t come), that is true, but the casino delights in the multitude of charged-up players who push out those bad wagers. There’s a lot of money to be made from such bets – money for the house that is.

Two issues ago I had players give their playing strategies. Admittedly a couple had good ones; sadly, most didn’t. In fact, a couple of others had the worst possible strategies and knew it! They just couldn’t stop making those bets.

Take a simple mistake made by Karl, who likes to use the C&E to “protect” his pass line bet on the come-out roll. That is a mistake because doing so actually costs him more money. The C&E is an expensive safety latch since it just doesn’t work as Karl thinks it works. There is no protection in making a high house-edge bet to protect a low house-edge bet.

Now Jack enjoys trend-betting strategies. If a number hits, especially a couple of times in close succession, he will place bets on that number thinking it is due to hit soon again. This can get him up on a lot of numbers. Of course, there are streaks in craps, as there are streaks in any random game, but the key word is not streaks but random.

He thinks because he is playing in what he calls the short-run that probability is not an issue. Of course it is. There is no short-run math that changes probability, so that it is predictable in a way other than the actual math of the game’s probability. The short-run looks different than the math but there is no short run probability that says since the five hit four times in a row it is more likely to come up once again in short succession.

There is also no way to tell if a number that hasn’t

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by F R A N K

SCOBLETE

hit in a long time is due to come up quite soon. It might; it might not.

Certainly regular players will experience short runs that then add up to longer short runs and longer than longer short runs and even longer than longer than longer short runs until these players have so many short runs that the math begins to be reflected in reality. The more they play, the more the math starts to look real in reality and not just in theory. There is no other way to see the math of craps. It is what it is.

What number is going to come up is dictated in the long run by probability and the casino has figured out ways to pay their losing bets in order to avoid actually losing money on them in the long run. Paybacks are changed from true odds to casino odds.

Visit Frank’s web site at www.frankscoblete.com.

Frank’s latest books are Confessions of a Wayward Catholic!; I Am a Dice Controller and I Am a Card Counter. Available from Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, e-books and at bookstores.

For example, bets that in a fair game would pay back two-to-one now pay back nine-to-five or bets that would pay back 35-to-one in a fair game now pay back a horrendous 30-to-one. Or the casino will simply win more bets then they lose.

Casinos just don’t want to offer games that they can’t control – that’s the nature of their business, beating the players. They don’t do it with luck but with math.

Parlaying bets, which is Benjamin’s strategic winning system, actually throws out more money into the grinding effect of the casino’s edge. Good luck isn’t going to last very long and raising one’s bets might just find those bets becoming losers.

Giving your wins back to the house because you decided to parley them is an awful way to finish a session down and out, when you had been up and in the glow of good luck. Players such as Benjamin should be happy to win instead of going for the kill – which often becomes an exercise in killing oneself.

Finally Kenneth is a man who enjoys using his instincts to ferret out what winning numbers will be hit next. He will bet according to his “sixth sense.” Need I say that this is not a winning strategy, merely a delusion? My instinct tells me that I don’t have to tell you this, do I? Okay, with the exception of a darkside player, these are some of the ideas that your typical casino players have constructed. I’ll handle the darkside of the game in a future issue.

“THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF BETS AT THE GAME OF CRAPS AND MOST OF THEM GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

PLAYER STRATEGY

by L I N D A

B OY D

Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern Gaming and Destinations”, “Arizona Player” and other gaming outlets around the country.

Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. The latest edition is available from amazon.com, Square One Publishers and book stores.

Kindle edition now available.

“ALWAYS FACT-CHECK FOR ACCURACY REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE SOURCE LIVES OR HOW FREQUENTLY THEY PLAY.”

FOR MORE FREE TIPS, VISIT GAMINGANDDESTINATIONS.COM

VIDEO POKER: Accurate Assumptions I’ve heard video poker (VP) players make seemingly logical statements that were simply incorrect. For example, the maxim “Never throw away a winning hand” is an untrue statement.

There are, in fact, times when you’re dealt either a straight or flush that has to be tossed in favor of holding four cards to the Royal Flush (RF). It depends on the game’s pay schedule.

Rely on tutorial software, like Dean Zamzow’s WinPoker, or the strategy cards in my book, “The Video poker Edge”, instead of another player with unknown credentials. Another assumption I frequently hear is “He’s from Vegas and told me…”; that, too, may be incorrect.

Always fact-check for accuracy regardless of where the source lives or how frequently they play. Here are some tips for separating the wheat from the chaff while gambling.

Casino Policies: It’s frustrating when you practice due diligence by learning a casino’s procedures only to find they have changed once you get there. For example, you check in for a drawing an hour before the event starts and believe you’re eligible only later to find out you have to swipe your card after each drawing because management changed the rules. Ask questions if there’s any doubt at all, especially if you haven’t been there in a while.

Slot Club Card: Even if you’re talking to a frequent player, never believe the forever circulating rumor that inserting your player’s card alters your odds of winning. It does not.

In fact, you will not have an accurate win/loss statement to present to the IRS in case of a tax audit if you refuse to use a slot card. That’s in addition to losing casino benefits, like comps, promotional event entries, cashback and any other incentives offered by the house.

Discretionary Comps: The casino does not advertise some returns for your player loyalty and for good reasons. They would rather you use your earned comps for meals and the gift shop than to offer “bonus” rewards. It’s better to assume they do have discretionary comps whenever you’ve played a long session and have significant “coin in” (total amount wagered), instead of squandering your earned comp dollars. Simply ask your host or a member of the management team.

Casino Host: Sometimes players assume that having a casino host is for status and really unnecessary. Unfortunately, some casinos are even eliminating the position to save money. If you’re a frequent player, it’s advantageous to have

a host and to change to a different host when you’re unhappy with the one you have. That’s because you can’t assume benefits are objective since they are not. There are logical guidelines in terms of comps but the brass does not micromanage their hosts. If you think patrons with less action are receiving more lucrative offers, say special event invites, then consider talking with your host or changing to another one.

It’s Not Personal: I’ve been guilty a time or two of feeling upset by new policies but it’s really not personal, just business. For example, a casino was offering a hundred extra promotional event entries for new slot card members. It seemed unfair to me since it took 10 points to earn each entry, but the casino was just looking for a cost-free way to increase the number of slot club members.

Consistency: You may assume t hat t he information given by one employee, looking at the same data, will be the same as that given by a different staff member, but that is not true. Employees make it look so official when they’re telling you how many points you need to get to a higher-level card, but they’re mostly “guesstimating”. How can you know for sure?

The figures you receive either in writing or on the kiosks will be accurate.

Rules Will Be Bent: Never assume casino policies are written in stone. It truly depends on the level of your play and if you are asking a person with the authority to bend the rules.

For example, if you’re told that no rooms are available for the weekend, be aware that casinos always keep a few available for the “whales” or high-betting players. Also, the definition of “whale” is ever changing so don’t be timid about asking your host about stretching rules and policies.

Final Thoughts: Casinos aren’t churches or educational institutions so never assume their formal procedures make sense or will be adhered to in a judicious way. They’re in business to make money and that means keeping their gambling regulars happy and decisions fluid. VP holds are exact and depend on the game’s pay schedule, but the house rules are mostly flexible and often defy logic. Instead on relying on other players to disperse accurate information you should go right to the horse’s mouth. For VP that’s an expert or tutorial software and for house policies it’s the department in charge of administering the program.

G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

25

MIDWEST

CASINO DIRECTORY WEBSITE

Below is a list of our preferred properties of the Midwest showcasing some of the great things that each property has.

PHONE NUMBER

*CC PARTNER

TABLES

MACHINES

KENTUCKY DERBY CITY GAMING

DERBYCITYGAMING.COM

502-961-7600

900

INDIANA BELTERRA CASINO RESORT & SPA

BELTERRACASINO.COM

800-472-6311

RISING STAR CASINO RESORT

RISINGSTARCASINO.COM

INDIANA GRAND CASINO

•

40

1,600

812-438-1234

29

897

INDIANAGRAND.COM

877-386-4463

50

2,000+

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, SIOUX CITY

HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

712-226-7600

25

839

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

RIVERSIDECASINOANDRESORT.COM

877-677-3456

32

1,150

RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT

RHYTHMCITYCASINO.COM

844-852-4386

35

850

SOARINGEAGLECASINO.COM

888-732-4537

79

3,056

IOWA •

MICHIGAN SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT MGM GRAND DETROIT

MGMGRANDDETROIT.COM

877-888-2121

98

4,000

ISLAND RESORT AND CASINO

ISLANDRESORTANDCASINO.COM

800-682-6040

14

1,200

GUN LAKE CASINO

GUNLAKECASINO.COM/

269-792-7777

33

1,600

BLACK BEAR CASINO RESORT

BLACKBEARCASINORESORT.COM

888-771-0777

14

1,850

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

TICASINO.COM

800-222-7077

44

2,200

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-472-6321

44

3,500

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

GRANDCASINOMN.COM

800-626-5825

30

3,100

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

AMERISTAR.COM/KANSAS-CITY

816-414-7000

115

2,300

LUMIERE PLACE CASINO AND HOTELS

LUMIEREPLACE.COM

877-450-7711

55

1,600

RIVER CITY CASINO & HOTEL, ST. LOUIS

RIVERCITY.COM

888-578-7289

54

2,000

JACK CASINO CINCINNATI

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CINCINNATI

513-252-0777

100

2,000

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

HOLLYWOODCOLUMBUS.COM

614-308-3333

76

2,200

JACK CASINO CLEVELAND

JACKENTERTAINMENT.COM/CLEVELAND

216-297-4777

100

1,600

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, TULSA

HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM

800-760-6700

40

2,600

WINSTAR CASINO & RESORT

WINSTARWORLDCASINO.COM

580-276-4229

97

7,400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WITTENBERG

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WITTENBERG

715-253-4400

HO-CHUNK GAMING, BLACK RIVER FALLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/BLACKRIVERFALLS

800-657-4621

HO-CHUNK GAMING, TOMAH

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/TOMAH

866-880-9822

HO-CHUNK GAMING, WISCONSIN DELLS

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/WISCONSINDELLS

800-746-2486

HO-CHUNK GAMING, MADISON

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/MADISON

608-223-9576

HO-CHUNK GAMING, NEKOOSA

HO-CHUNKGAMING.COM/NEKOOSA

800-782-4560

50

650

NORTH STAR CASINO RESORT

NORTHSTARCASINORESORT.COM

800-952-0195

16

1,200

ST. CROIX CASINO TURTLE LAKE

STCROIXCASINO.COM

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO

PAYSBIG.COM

800-846-8946 800-729-7244

22 100

1,095 3,000

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

WISCONSIN

26

| G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M

517 10

634 96

50

1,832 1,200

* CC Partner means the property provides coupons and special offers to members of the Comps Club. For more information, visit Thecompsclub.com

# OF ROOMS

ENT. VENUE

GOLF

SPA

POOL

689

•

•

•

•

294

•

•

54

•

201

• •

•

•

328

• • •

408

•

•

788

•

•

•

•

967

• •

•

•

• •

•

INDOOR

•

• •

116

517 400

967

294

• •

200

•

184

•

•

•

• •

• INDOOR

• • •

• • •

INDOOR

184 294 200

454 1,500

• •

• •

86 140

•

302

• •

129

•

161 391

• •

• •

•

•

• INDOOR G A M I N G A N D D E S T I N AT I O N S . C O M |

27

FUTURE ODDS Check out the latest odds for major sporting events. For the latest up-to-the-minute odds, visit GamingandDestinations.com KENTUCKY DERBY – MAY 4, 2019 CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Horse

Field (All other horses) Game Winner Improbable Instagrand Hidden Scroll Coliseum Mucho Gusto Tax Signalman Harvey Wallbanger Gunmetal Gray Network Effect Knicks Go Vekoma War of Will Win Win Win Owendale Tacitus Global Campaign Limonite

March 5/2 6/1 8/1 10/1 12/1 15/1 15/1 20/1 20/1 20/1 20/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 50/1 50-1 50/1 50/1

January 6/5 5/1 17/1 10/1 N/A 10/1 47/1 N/A 30/1 N/A N/A 59/1 44/1 36/1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

*Odds based on Kentucky Derby Future Wager - Pools 1 and 2 Available at KYDerby.com

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – APRIL 8, 2019 U.S. BANK STADIUM – MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Team March January Duke 9/5 5/2 Gonzaga 7/1 10/1 Tennessee 15/2 20/1 Virginia 15/2 12/1 Michigan 8/1 12/1 Michigan State 12/1 33/1 Kentucky 16/1 10/1 North Carolina 16/1 12/1 Nevada 20/1 14/1 Kansas 30/1 8/1 Purdue 30/1 N/A Iowa State 40/1 N/A Villanova 40/1 25/1 *All others higher than 40-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

MASTERS – APRIL 11 – APRIL 14, 2019 AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB – AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

Golfer

March

January Dustin Johnson 12/1 12/1 Jordan Spieth 12/1 9/1 Justin Rose 12/1 15/1 Rory McIlroy 12/1 12/1 Tiger Woods 12/1 9/1 Brooks Koepka 15/1 12/1 Bryson DeChambeau 15/1 25/1 Justin Thomas 15/1 12/1 Rickie Fowler 15/1 18/1 Jon Rahm 20/1 18/1 Phil Mickelson 25/1 40/1 Bubba Watson 30/1 25/1 Jason Day 30/1 22/1 Hideki Matsuyama 35/1 40/1 Patrick Reed 35/1 28/1 Paul Casey 35/1 35/1 Tommy Fleetwood 35/1 30/1 Tony Finau 35/1 40/1 Xander Schauffele 35/1 N/A *All others higher than 35-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

2019 MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES - NOVEMBER 18, 2019 Driver March Kevin Harvick 9/2 Kyle Busch 9/2 Martin Truex Jr. 6/1 Chase Elliott 7/1 Kyle Larson 7/1 Brad Keselowski 9/1 Joey Logano 10/1 Ryan Blaney 10/1 Clint Bowyer 15/1 Erik Jones 15/1 Denny Hamlin 2 0/1 Aric Almirola 25/1 Jimmie Johnson 25/1 Kurt Busch 25/1 Alex Bowman 45/1 Daniel Suarez 45/1 *All others higher than 45-1. **Odds courtesy of Vegasinsider.com

For the latest sports odds, updated every 5 minutes, visit GamingandDestinations.com

WSOP® SPRING CIRCUIT EVENT April 10-22 $3 MILLION IN GUARANTEES! Visit WSOP.com for additional event details. @harrahscherokee

Subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to enter casino floor and to gamble, and must present a valid state or federal photo ID upon request. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem?

Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ©2019, Caesars License Company, LLC.

Your Seat is Reserved!

THE MILLION DOLLAR EVENT®

*

It’s back. And bringing unprecedented competition and intensity to casinos across North America. Want to get in the game? Contact your Everi Promotions Specialist or visit www.TOURNEVENT.com for more information on how your casino can take part in The Million Dollar Event.

Powers the casino floor.® *Payable in periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present-day cash value payment.

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