Comments on: Q+A’s

By: Talaina

Talaina — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:09:48 +0000

Hi Jean-
I was curious about the payouts and pay schedules. I took a picture of the NSU deuces wild at my local casino. Four-of-a-kind was only 4, and the payout for 5-coin pay was not $4,000, it was $1400, on that particular day. Should I go and look at the 5-coin payout before I put any coins in? I didn’t notice that it wasn’t full pay until I left. My local casinos are woefully lacking in payouts vs. Las Vegas. So, instead of going to the casino for President’s Day, I stayed home and probably saved $100-300. How do you know what the payouts are on the progressives? Is there a quick way to figure it out? Always look at the 5-coin pay? I’m practicing on Bob Dancer’s v.p. c.d.; but sometimes it’s confusing. They suggest major error, choose the opposite of what I picked, then a few hands later, it seems the suggestion is to choose exactly what I would have picked, like a flush. Maybe math isn’t my forte either…
You two have fun, best of luck in your favorite places. 🙂

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:51:47 +0000

Hi Jean,

I don’t really have a comment to post to your blog. I just wanted to say Thank You. I really enjoy your column. While you are very knowledgeable, it is your attitude that is absolutely fantastic. You and Brad are like part of the family. What you do makes the world a nicer place. You are appreciated. Thanks.

By: Greg Elder

Greg Elder — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:37:58 +0000

You are spending YOUR time and YOUR energy trying to educate people so they have a better chance of improving their odds at the casino. You have never advocated for folks to gamble, you’ve simply provided them with the facts to try and HELP them. I must say I feel your pain on this one. As a fellow former teacher, continue to pursue your calling as an educator and let the critics be damned. Through your books and your blog you have taught me many things and for that I am grateful. Keep up the great work!

By: barry regan

barry regan — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:06:20 +0000

Hi Jean, have you ever done a article on what I call the 40 centers. Everyone looks at what the casinos take in for $$$ but what they do not realize is what the casinos are not paying out on their machines. People who play very low bets like 40 cent spins and hit many free games and payouts and just realize back a small amount of winnings drive me crazy. I just shake my head when a person hits one free game after another and gets a $6.00 pay out. The casinos are cleaning up on this because they do not pay out the big $$ on their machines. It seems the 40C are there for just the free drinks??? When people complain slots are not paying off or loose they have to take in consideration many of the good play is eaten up by the low bet people. I would love to see what return the casinos get from this I am sure they track it on each machine. Thanks.

By: Ed

Ed — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:10:33 +0000

I find it interesting that some people come onto YOUR blog and disparage what you write. Suffice it to say that some people feel better when they tear others down. Keep writing about how to get those comps. It’s your passion and our obsession.

By: queen of comps

queen of comps — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 07:41:27 +0000

Let’s hope this MS bill doesn’t pass! An example of the desperation of many states to look for new sources of needed income – and “sin taxes” seem the easiest target!

By: BOB

BOB — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:37:54 +0000

Per our records you were here 2 times in 2012.
In April of 2012 we show you lost $70
In August 2012 we show you won $929

Our records show when your card was used. This is the only record we have to go by, if you lost or left your card and somebody else played on it that could explain. Unfortunately we can not alter the Win/Loss statement. It specifically states it is just an estimate so if you have your own records I would suggest you use those for tax purposes

OK MS IRS–I CONTACTED HARRAHS & GOT THE ABOVE RESPONSE.
IN 20 YEARS I HAVE NEVER WON MONEY AT THAT CASINO. FOR SURE I NEVER LEFT MY CARD IN THE MACHINE. THE PRIOR YEAR THEY ALSO SAID I WON $800–WHAT’S WRONG WITH HARRAHS ? TAX TIME IS HERE.

By: A. Greek

A. Greek — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:17:18 +0000

Hi Jean,
Here’s a link to a current Mississippi proposed gaming tax bill. I can’t imagine how they are going to implement this, but if it passes the state will be empowered to tax 3% of all payouts in a casino, not just those in excess of $1200.00. billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2013/pdf/history/SB/SB2144.xml

By: Ron Lucier

Ron Lucier — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:46:11 +0000

A couple years ago I was at the Orleans and observed a person at one of those credit card advance machines where you get pre- approval then got to the cage to get your money (while paying exorbitant fees). The guy must have been declined by his credit card system, he yelled the same thing, punch the machine, braking it from the wall and walked away. Perhaps your commenter is this same person or if not they both need to find other entertainment.

Unless you are astute, play near perfectly, have sufficient bankroll and get lucky video poker can bleed anybody dry. It’s just plain mathematics. Play for entertainment and don’t try to beat the casino, in the long term they win 99% of the time. If you get lucky, and I have many times, enjoy your wins but remember the law of independent trials: the machine has no memory so just because you hit a royal flush it doesn’t mean you’re on a roll!

By: John

John — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:19:35 +0000

I am shocked to hear that people would say disparaging things to you about your blog. I have purchased several of your books / guides in the past and have found them very entertaining and helpful. I try to “read between the lines” a little also to divine your strategies. Given that we are both from the midwest, I inevitably run into the same casinos that you do and have wandered upon the same casinos in Vegas as well. As yet I have yet to run into you. But I just want to lend my support for what you are doing and tell you that is very much appreciated. Having recently joined the vpfree2 email list, I see the work that you and other authors do on a daily basis, and I think it’s great. My guess is that those who are sending you those rotten comments are people / professionals that don’t want the word to get out to the public about good video poker opportunities. I have run into a few people like this in the past (as a recreational player), and found them paranoid and annoying. At any rate, keep fighting the good fight, and if you or a friend ever need any help liquidating antiques or estates, that is my business. You can see my website up above, that is my calling in life. Take care and thank you…!!!