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GAMES OF CHANCE
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CARD GAMES
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SLOTS
HISTORY
An enterprising American, Charles Fey, began inventing and manufacturing
slot machines in 1894 from his workshop in San Francisco. Fey pioneered many
innovations of coin operated gaming devices, including the original three
reel, bell slot machine in 1898.
This "Liberty Bell" is considered to be the grandfather of all modern
American slot machines as its basic design continues to be used in
mechanical gaming devices today. The simple mechanical devices with three
old-style reels holding 20 symbols have evolved into
microprocessor-controlled devices with up to five spinning reels holding
hundreds of symbols.
It was during the 1930's that slot machines began to proliferate across the
US, and in the late 40's the infamous Bugsy Siegel added machines to his
Flamingo Hilton hotel in Las Vegas. Originally installed as a way to
entertain the wives and girlfriends of high rollers, revenue from the slot
machines soon began supplanting that of the table games. In the mid 1980's
the popularity of slot machines and table games were on par with each other,
but by the 90's slots had taken over and now account for over two-thirds of
casino revenue in the US! Apparently casino enthusiasts greatly enjoy the
spinning wheals and the excitement of the winning bells!
Slot machines gained their universal appeal in casinos because unlike the
other games, they are played at the pace of the player and don't require the
player to have any skill. Commonly referred to as "one-armed bandits", the
goal of the game is to spin the reels so that the symbols on all reels line
up on the payline in a winning combination. When this occurs, the slot
machine pays out according to the payoff table posted on its front.
There are many different types of machines, and whether playing a
progressive or a straight slot, players will be faced with a number of
choices. Machines vary on denomination of coins, the number of reels, how
many coins to play, and single or multiple paylines. And now there are even
similar 'Video' Poker machines based the same idea as slots.
Since the quarter and dollar machines are most popular, they can be found in
many areas on the casino floor. Nickel machines can still be found in small
pockets, depending on the casino. For the high-rolling player, casinos have
instituted $5, $25, and $100 machines segregated to special VIP areas. These
machines require the use of custom coin tokens or cash bills.
On average, machines operate on a two or three coin maximum. When it comes
to multiple coin playing machines, there are subtle variations. With some
machines, the number of coins played is proportional to the payoff, and with
others, the payoff is more than proportional. Some machines don't even pay a
jackpot on one coin, and the three-coin jackpot often pays 150% of a
two-coin win. In this case it is best to play the maximum number of coins.
When players hit one of the smaller winning combination they will be paid
automatically by the machine. The larger jackpots however, will be paid out
directly by a casino employee who is notified by a light on the top of the
machine. Each casino's slot payoffs will vary.
TIPS
Read the Pay Tables
Looking at the pay table of the machine can help you judge the frequency
that the machine returns a winner. If you see that there are a lot of
combinations that return smaller wins, then this machine will usually have a
larger hit frequency than one that has fewer winning combinations that pay
back larger wins. Some players like a lot of smaller wins more often.
Play Full Coin in Progressive Machines
Progressive machines offer large jackpots. The big progressive jackpot is
made by taking a percentage of all the money played into the machine. You
can only win the progressive jackpot if you have are playing the maximum
number of coins. Don’t play these machines if you don’t plan to do this.
Slot Candles
The lights on the top of the machines are called candles. The bottom light
is colored and that color can tell you the denomination of the machine. In
most cases, the candles on dollar machines are blue, Quarters are yellow,
and nickel machines are red.
Lock Up a Profit
If you hit a jackpot, make sure that you “lock up” a profit. Take your
initial playing stakes and a little profit and set it aside. Then play with
a small percentage of you winnings. There is nothing worse than the feeling
of being a winner and then giving back all your winnings to the casino. I
recommend taking a little break after a hitting a jackpot. Savor the win and
enjoy that winning feeling.
Keep a Log. If you hit a jackpot over $1,200 you will be given a W2-G
and your winnings will be reported to the IRS. If you keep an accurate
gaming log, you can use your losses to offset your winnings come tax time.
Slow Down
Slow down when you are playing slot machines. There are no prizes for the
player hitting the spin button the fastest. Don’t play more than one machine
at a time. Playing more than one machine just exposes you more to the house
edge. In the long run you will just lose your money faster.
Manage your Money
Never bring money to the casino that you need for other expenses. If you
can’t afford to lose it then you shouldn’t be playing it in the casino.
Break you casino bankroll down into several playing sessions. Don’t risk it
all in one playing session.
Cashing Out
When you are done playing, make sure that you take all your coins from the
tray or your voucher ticket from the machine. Do this right away before you
collect your personal belongings. Go directly to the cage. Don’t walk around
with a bucket of coins. They can be spilled or lost if you set them down. If
you are playing a coinless machine that pays you with a paper voucher make
sure you cash it in. Some of these have an expiration date making them
worthless after a certain period of time.
Don’t Purchase Slot Systems
Slot systems that claim they can show you which machine is ready to hit are
a scam. The Random Number Generator determines the winning combinations of
the machine. There is no way to determine if a machine is “Due” to hit.
Have Fun
Slot machines have a larger house edge than other casino games. While
winning is nice, in the long run it will cost you money to play. Look at
this cost as your price for entertainment. Pick a machine that you have fun
playing and enjoy yourself.
