A video poker expert claims that VP machines are programmed with "hot and cold" cycles to bring the machines up or down to their specified payout percentages. Other experts claim that each deal is random, based on a 52-card deck. Both sides support their positions by quoting gaming regulations. Which is correct?

Now that the online-gambling prohibition is the law of the land, maybe you could give us your opinion about it. What do you think of it? What impact do you think it will have?

Quote from a recent QoD: "In addition, Herbst Gaming has 600 slot-route locations in Nevada; it's the second largest slot-route operator in the state." What is a slot route or a slot-route operator?

If I play two slot machines side by side and put a comp card in each (I have two cards), does one cancel the other out? Or do I get credit on both?

Are there any casinos that offer 25¢ roulette? My husband and I used to play 25¢ roulette at the former Binion's Horseshoe and on the Strip at Casino Royale, but they don't seem to offer it any longer. Also, how can I find the low-limit ($2 or $3) crap tables without traveling from casino to casino in search of them?

If you're only in Vegas for a short time with your partner (less than a week), and you're not a regular visitor, what's the best way to maximize value from a slot club for that trip? Should you sign up for a joint account and hope to rack up enough play between you for some cashback or comps on that one trip? Or is it better to play on individual cards?

With the popularity of televised Texas hold 'em poker, it seems that most card rooms in Vegas that I have visited are ignoring the other types of games. Although they list that they spread other games, usually there are no tables open when I arrive. Could you tell me what card rooms consistently spread 7-card stud?

I placed a $20 bet on the WNBA Seattle Storm, which were five-point favorites and won by 30. I expected to cash the ticket for $40, but instead was paid $36.60. How was this computed?

I've noticed that most of the casinos are doing away with coin slots and going with paper tickets. Where can we find the casinos that still allow you to drop in nickels or quarters and receive coins instead of the tickets? I miss the noise of the casino that the slots used to give, as well as collecting the various dollar coins.

I hear Jamie Gold (WSOP winner) had half his money held up because of some deal. Can you fill us in on it and where it stands today?