Ask the Wizard! (No. 239)
Oct. 31, 2009 column
I've been told that if a casino's selection of video poker can be a good indication of their slot looseness. The idea behind it is supposed to be that if a casino is willing to put a lot of full play poker on their floor then they well also likely put more loose slots. Does this hold any truth or is it just a myth?
— Omer from Fremont, CA
I think that theory holds water. When I did my Las Vegas slot machine survey, I found the looseness of a casinos slots and video poker was highly correlated.
If you were a casino manager, what would you do in these tough economic times to help generate revenue in a smaller area market? (besides giving them free money)
— William from Shelton, WA
That is getting outside my area, but I subscribe to the Benny Binion philosophy that if you offer the player a good value, and aren't afraid to take a bet, then he will keep coming back.
Do you know if there is any way to get the probability payout schedules for slot machines in Nevada? I called gaming and they told me it was confidential information. I am curious because at some point when playing a progressive slot machine, it must tilt into the players favor. And as a follow-up, what is the law on disclosure of probability tables. Thanks for the help in advance.
— Mark from Las Vegas
No, there isn't. I don't like it any more than you do. I think the player should be allowed to know the rules and/or the odds about what he is gambling on. Others have asked me if invoking the state Freedom of Information Act. I tend to doubt it would help or apply. As far as I know, the only place with such a right to know might be Holland. I'm told in Amsterdam information about the virtual reel stripping is indicated in little cards on the machines. You could in theory calculate the odds with that information and the pay table.
I am curious to know what became of that Eternity II puzzle challenge. Was it solved? Are you still working on it?
— Matt from Las Vegas
Thanks for asking. No, I haven't touched that thing since I wrote about in the November 17, 2008 Ask the Wizard column. According to the web site, they will have "scrutiny dates" on December 31, 2009, and 2010 if necessary. In my opinion, it will never be solved.
I have run some computer simulations for Blackjack and noticed that the house edge decreases with deeper penetration using the high low counting system even if I flat bet (no spread). I know that the house advantage actually rises slightly with deeper penetration if you play basic strategy because as the deck becomes unbalanced basic strategy makes improper plays. Using indexes with card counting eliminates a lot of this effect but it does not explain the house advantage falling. Is the house advantage dropping with deeper penetration when I card count and still flat bet because I'm able to take advantage of taking insurance at higher
counts?
— Jon from Doylestown, Pa
Actually, it doesn't make any difference what the penetration is for the non-counter, as long as it is deep enough to randomize the number of hands per shoe. It is hard to explain why. You still get the full benefit of making better decisions with the deeper penetration. So you should expect to see the house edge decrease as the penetration increases, even flat betting.
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