Gaming Guru

Ask the Slot Expert: Video Poker Software

Hi, John!

I have noticed that when playing certain slot machines, if I vary the time between activating the reels, I seem to win a lot more. Is it possible to get into a time sequence or routine that effects the RNG?

Thanks,
Dave

Dear Dave,

It is not possible to fool the RNG by varying the time between spins.

If you did a study of a sufficient number of spins in which you played a steady pace in one group and varied your pace in another, you'd find that your results are the same in both cases.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Hi, John,

Could you tell me what ever happened to the slot machine named Silver Bullett? I have been to Vegas and Atlantic City and some casinos in the South and I have not seen them.

Thanks,
Shari

Dear Shari,

That game doesn't ring a bell with me. I don't recall ever having seen one. I don't know what happened to them or where you can play them, but if someone does, I'd be happy to print the answer in a future column.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

I would advise everyone in Texas and Oklahoma to stay away from Winstar Casino run by Indians trying to scalp the region in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It is an all slot casino and a royal rip off.

We got a $200 education in one hour I saw no one win anything. My wife and I were playing a quarter machine when we were there. She had about twenty dollars in the machine and the machine was confusing and she hit a button and it automatically bet $16.50 on one pull.

Mind you, we have played in casinos for years in Louisiana and Las Vegas and I am the last one to cry over spilt milk, but this place is so phony I had to say something.

But $16.50 on one pull of a quarter machine. This is unheard of at the casinos in Louisiana or even Las Vegas as far as I know. How about you?

Dennis

Dear Dennis,

Do you really mean that no one won anything--absolutely no hits--for one hour, and no one hit any handpays or jackpots? It's impossible that no one won anything. It's very possible that no one would hit a jackpot or a handpay in that short amount of time.

You have to be very careful when you play a multi-line/multi-coin slot. A quarter slot that takes a max bet of $16.50 is not unheard of. Some machines have max bets of 90 coins. That's $22.50 on a quarter machines. And there are machines that have even higher max bets.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

I'm planning a trip to Reno. What casinos would you recommend for plays of $5, $1 and quarters? What are your recommdations for places to stay? Your column is great!

Judy

Dear Judy,

Thanks for the kind words about my column.

I've never been to Reno, so I can't offer any firsthand recommendations. I do know someone who knows more about Reno than any other person. Star Brooks runs the Reno Gaming Guide website (www.renogamingguide.com) and you can find everything you need to know to plan a trip to Reno there.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Hi,

Was wondering what computer program you would recommend or sell to train me to play video poker on the 10/7 machines. For example, if I play a hand wrong on the computer game it would correct me.

Thanks!
Les

Dear Les,

I recommend Jean Scott's Frugal Video Poker program. You can get it at www.greatstuff4gamblers.com and www.frugalgambler.biz.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net. Because of the volume of mail I receive, I regret that I can't send a reply to every question. Also be advised that it may take two or more months for your question to appear in my column.