Can I Use a Video Poker App on my iPad for decisions at the machine?

I am learning video poker and I just got the Wizard of Odds' "Video Poker Wizard" app for my iPad. In addition to being a teaching tool, it has an additional, very useful feature. It allows you to plug in a specific hand in a video poker game, like Deuce’s Wild, and it will tell the best play(s) for that hand. While I think I know about 90-95% of the correct holds, there are times when I am unsure. Can I use this app when I am at the video poker machine? Logically, it seems like I could, since it is similar to having a strategy card at a blackjack table, but logic may not have anything to do with casino regulations.

Logic does, but technology has even more relevance.

We've got bad news for you. Use of the Video Poker Wizard could not only get you 86'd from the casino, it might get you into trouble with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The NGCB's in-house analyst, Michael Lawton, dug up the relevant Nevada Revised Statute:

NRS 465.075 Use or possession of device, software or hardware to obtain advantage at playing game prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to use, possess with the intent to use or assist another person in using or possessing with the intent to use any computerized, electronic, electrical or mechanical device, or any software or hardware, or any combination thereof, which is designed, constructed, altered or programmed to obtain an advantage at playing any game in a licensed gaming establishment or any game that is offered by a licensee or affiliate, including, without limitation, a device that:

1. Projects the outcome of the game;

2. Keeps track of cards played or cards prepared for play in the game;

3. Analyzes the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game; or

4. Analyzes the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game,

except as may be made available as part of an approved game or otherwise permitted by the Commission.

Blackjack strategy cards, being simple ink-and-paper assists, obviously don't fall under the rubric of the law. By all means, study up on VP strategy at home … but leave the iPad behind when you come to the casino.

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Comments

Eric Wicklund Jan-13-2019

Eric

I use strategy cards when playing VP; mostly bar top, and have never been questioned about it.

[email protected] Jan-13-2019

Strategy Card

I pulled out a strategy card at a table in an indian casino in Arizona and thought they were going to drag me in the back room! They very strictly prohibited it.

thebeachbum Jan-13-2019

Nothing Beats Luck

Nothing beats just plain luck for winning.  That said, I'm very happy to hear the Wizard of Odds VP app in back for the iPhone.  You can't beat luck, but with a little work you get in a better position to be lucky.

Stephanie Jan-13-2019

Iphone ports on Slot machines

At Cosmo I noticed their slot machines have ports for you phones, what is that about?

Jan-13-2019

Law is flawed; compromise

As a non-lawyer legal shark, let me point out some flaws in that quoted statute. First, I thought it wasn't quoted accurately, as the 1st sentence clearly was missing 2 words. In the actual code, that first sentence is actually a boldfaced TITLE, meaning its text doesn't prohibit anything. Second, the code needs to say (but doesn't) "has on his person" instead of "possess"; you still possess an item if you leave it at home. Third, you are NOT obtaining an advantage over the casino at video poker by using a strategy display; you're only enabling yourself to achieve the EV level; this is a critical distinction that the code doesn't make. Fourth, iPads were not "designed, constructed, altered or programmed" to obtain any such advantage; this could be successfully argued. Fifth, while the first 3 numbered points are defendable, the 4th could be defeated in court. It should be fine to merely display a card or chart on an iPad. But to avoid problems, just use a printed (paper) strategy card.

[email protected] Jan-13-2019

Cards

There are many very good video poker strategy cards out there, and I've often played with one sitting on the machine and never had an issue.  Like the questioner, I know the vast majority of plays, but occasionally one comes up on which I'm unsure, in which case it's nice to have the strategy card there.  As others have pointed out, the prohibition is only for computerized assistance, not cards.

Interestingly, I've used my iPad in the race and sports book many times without issue.  In fact, they even have free wifi there (as opposed to "pay for" wifi in my room.  So the concern only seems to be with table games and machines, not with race and sports betting.  I suspect the rule came up because of some well known cases where teams used computerized devices to get an edge at roulette and blackjack.  Seems like one of those regs that could use updating!

Dave in Seattle. Jan-13-2019

Slots w/USB ports.

Charge your phone battery while playing. Pretty cool!
 Don't forget your phone,if you get up!
A lanyard attached to your players card would be smart.
  Some places don't like you take a photo of a slot machine!HUH?

That Don Guy Jan-13-2019

And don't get caught twice

The penalty for a first offense is 1-6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, the for a second offense, the prison term is mandatory, and cannot be suspended, nor may the offender be given probation instead.

If you're wondering why a paper strategy card is legal while an electronic one is not, my best guess is, the paper one doesn't come close to covering all of the "exceptions" to the basic strategy.

Oh, and, needless to say, the same law applies to why you're not allowed to use your phone to count cards at blackjack.

Jeffrey Wonser Jan-13-2019

What I do- take it or leave it!

I carry a piece of paper and normally "acquire" a pen or pencil from here or there.  If a hand comes up I want to know the answer to, I right it down and refer to it later.  

Even now I occasionally get one I want to look at!

Kirbyk Jan-14-2019

Elsewhere?

Wondering if the law is the same in New Jersey and/or Mississippi.  I’ve used a chart on my phone for a while but discreetly and would stop if asked.

Pat Higgins Jan-14-2019

Pat H

I use the Win Poker app on my iphone all the time.  I mostly play table games--no strategy card there for me--but use the app all the time for VP.  I never play the bar VP as the pay offs stink.  I look for and play the VP games on the gaming floor.  The only person who comes by is the drink server.  If you tip they don't seem to care.  Never a problem.

Question of the Day - 13 January 2019

Comments