In theory, slot floor persons will reserve you a machine that you've been playing, for a limited period only -- in general one to two hours -- in order for you to be able to go and eat somewhere. We assume that in providing this service, casinos are factoring in various things, including player superstition, comfort, and the fact that you might have put a lot of cash into that particular machine and would like to be able to play it for as long as you like in the hope of playing through a downward fluctuation and getting your money back.
Our call-around to a few casinos did reveal some variations in policies and some restrictions that apply, but most telling was the feedback we received when we posed this question to both Bob Dancer (the brain behind Video Poker for Winners) and Jean Scott (author of Frugal Video Poker and The Frugal Video Poker Scouting Guide), both of whom have much experience of playing machines for extended periods.
Here's what they each had to say on the subject:
"Casinos usually have a policy such as you stated -- usually two to four hours and not during busy times like holidays, tournaments, etc. But as in many cases in a casino, a big bettor and/or big tipper will be able to get employees to ignore the policy.
"However, there is an unwritten 'rule' by which most players abide when there's no official casino policy (or the casino is not enforcing the policy) and when there are a limited number of 'good' machines and many players wishing to play them, e.g., during a promotion. If they care about being polite, players won't lock up a machine in those circumstances. Sad to say, however, a few players care only about themselves and don't subscribe to this polite convention. They're not respected in the gambling community." (Jean Scott)
"In high-limit rooms, you can usually get four hours -- subject to busy holidays or casino promotions. If you're a regular and a big tipper, you can easily get more than this.
"There are players who can get casinos to offer them special pay schedules and the machines can be locked up for days at a time, even if these players aren't currently in town. These players combine the lovely attributes, from the casinos' point of view, of being both very high rollers and quite unskilled about it. You'd be surprised at what nice things casinos are willing to do for you, should you regularly drop $250,000 a year or more there." (Bob Dancer)
Our findings re official policies:
Arizona Charlie's Boulder Limited to one machine per person for one hour.
Binion's Gambling Hall Depends on what you're playing and how much action you're giving them, plus the timing (i.e., not on busy weekends/holidays or during a tournament or other promotion), and excludes progressive machines. But in general, on 25ยข-and-up machines, they'll lock it up for you for one hour.
Palace Station Official policy is one hour, but extensions are possible upon request. Excludes Megabucks, Wheel of Fortune, and other statewide progressives, but does apply to in-house progressive machines.
Gold Coast One hour is the rule of thumb. If you're playing a progressive and it's high, the floorperson will watch the machine for you while you run to the bathroom, but they won't lock it up for any extended period.
Mandalay Bay Two hours is the norm, with the exception of progressive jackpot machines, which can't be shut down.
Rio Up to a couple of hours is possible.
Fremont Two hours, excluding statewide progressives, but including in-house ones.
If you'd like to take advantage of this service at any casino, turn on your change/help light
