Matchplay coupons are like lucky bucks (see yesterday's QoD), in that the casinos give them out to entice players to sit down at a table game. They're typically more valuable than lucky bucks, because they always double the payoff on even-money winners, rather than add just a ("lucky") buck or two, and they tend to be available for higher bets. With a $5 matchplay coupon, for example, you lay down the coupon along with $5 of your own money and if you win, you're paid $10. Occasionally, you'll see $10 matchplay coupons, and some $20 and $25 matchplays are occasionally available.
Your expected value (EV) on a matchplay coupon is slightly less than half of its face value. On a $5 matchplay, your EV is roughly $2.45.
The Pocketbook of Values (POV), the coupon book premium that comes with a one-year subscription to the Las Vegas Advisor, contains one $20 matchplay coupon, eight $10 matchplays, and nine $5 matchplays. The total EV is more than $70.
