Why Are the Max-Bet Buttons Removed from Video Poker Machines?

When I was in town last week, I noticed that some video poker machines have their max-bet button removed. When I asked the bartender, she said that it had something to do with keno players complaining. Do you have any more details on this? I also thought this could be a good topic for the Anthony and Andrew podcast.

Anthony and Andrew actually covered this is in a video a couple of months ago.

It's not just keno players complaining, it's also video poker, blackjack, and slot players. Why are they frustrated? It's because the max-bet button is right next to the deal button and people playing short coin sometimes hit it by mistake and shoot their wad. This is especially true at blackjack, where the max bet can be 100 times the minimum.

Anthony discussed ways to mitigate this threat: mainly by putting a cup or an ashtray over the max bet button. Then no accidents can happen.

Of course, any number of players experience the problem the hard way and make a little noise about it. So some places are removing the max button entirely.

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Vegas Fan Apr-21-2023

Something similar

In reverse. I mentioned to a slot repairer that on several machines the Max button light was lit, but not the bet one button, thereby steering you toward Max bet. He looked at me like he had no clue what i was talking about. A good company man.

timtanium Apr-21-2023

Arizona Charlie's Decatur

I noticed at Arizona Charlie's Decatur, the max buttons have been removed from some bartops.  I asked the bartender about it, he said it was because of players complaining about hitting the button by mistake.

Mufasa Thedog Apr-21-2023

A good mistake at Foxwoods

At Foxwoods in Connecticut, they have $.25 video poker machines that take up to 25 coins per bet.  But they still pay 4000 coins for a royal with 5 coins bet.  So in effect they are quarter and dollar machines in one.

A few years ago, on my first hand, I hit max bet, intending to bet 5 coins.  I ended up with 4 threes, and got paid $500, not the $100 I expected.  I figured out my mistake, and put an ashtray over the max bet button, because $6.25 per hand is way over my head.

SCOTT Apr-21-2023

Less Irritating Noise

One benefit of the removal of the max bet button is so no one just sits there playing the maximum bet and hitting the max bet button over and over and hearing that "DING!DING!DING!DING!DING!"  instead of using the deal button. Very annoying.

VegasROX Apr-21-2023

Cherokee Big Wheel

The big wheel at Cherokee has a similar issue. Instead of defaulting to ONE dollar per touch, it would default to FIVE, so if you tapped the 5, 10, 20 and each flag, instead of betting 5 dollars per spin, you were doing 25. You usually only make the mistake one time.

Question of the Day - 21 April 2023

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