Video Poker Forum

Okay, been lurking for a while and reading about the possibility that casinos, particularly in AC are somehow reprogramming them to pay off less than the advertised paytable. Figured I needed to contribute something at last, so I went back to the records I've been keeping since 2007. Have played exclusively in AC during that time. Usually a 3-4 hr. session once a week on a Friday afternoon. Played at various casinos, but have pretty much only played at Borgata for the last 2 years. Here is what I found. Had a positive year for 5 of the 8 years, not bad, but 1st 3 years, 2007 thru 2009 were all positive, net for last 5 yrs. was negative. So things have been going in the wrong direction since 2010. Overall, still up for the 8 yrs. due to very good 2007 thru 2009. Typically play at .50 or 1.00 level, always 99.5 % or better games, practice, make a few small mistakes, but nothing to worry about. Don't know that this means anything, but there were better games available back in 2007 than there are today. Some 100% plus games. I know this contributed to better results in those early years. Know some pros who I used to see a lot back then, but haven't seen them in years. That pretty much sums up the current state of VP in AC. I know my sample size is not as large as many others on the site, but this is my experience.

car......, welcome to the forum. like you, i also lurked for quite a while, before posting. now, it would not surprise me, if many thought i should have just stayed a lurker.  other than being an overall net winner, i also had similar results as you. did ok for a number of years, and then the bottom began to fall out sometime after 2008. i will not speak for others, but i think you will find some who feel something has happened to the machines, other than paytable reductions. others, disagree. i have simply given up on going to AC, other than maybe once a year.  i am likely too optimistic, but hopeful that with the reduction in places to play, that the surviving properities may improve their payouts, as business improves.

Yeah, I understand, it seems as though the new server based games at Borgata have been giving me long 4 oak droughts, but the older slant tops are operating as they always have.

good post carcounter......if you have been lurking for a long time, then you know I have been one of the biggest posters concerning the trends in AC regarding video poker.     My results over the last 3-4 years (especially since 2012) have been awful......I cut back significantly about a year ago and now play more LIVE poker in AC than anything else but still play enough VP to earn comps and free rooms, and stay sharp enough for when I go to places like VEGAS.The reduced paytables does not explain the long draughts of premium hands and the overwhelming increase in dud/nonpaying hands.   The SERVER games as you pointed out are NOT anywhere near as friendly as the old games an dis no doubt due to the greater speed at which the RNG now functions, plus who knows what else........again, thanks for the post.ANd Notes1, I do NOT think it would be better if you had stayed away, regardless of your politics!

Did you know that New Jersey is one of only a few states in the USA that uses a state-run "independent" testing lab for casino machines? All other states use the same lab, Gaming Labs International, which has no afflation with the state in which the casino resides.

Yeah, I understand, it seems as though the new server based games at Borgata have been giving me long 4 oak droughts, but the older slant tops are operating as they always have.
I only play at the Borgata. I agree the older slant tops in front of the B-Bar have operated the same as they always have. I think because they haven't touch them. The VP machines in the rest of the casino have been moved around / changed several time in the past 4-5 years. They have replace many VP machine for 1¢ and 5¢ slot machines.  

car/jim, you both mention the borgota. although my early years in AC were mainly spent at the TAJ, the only times i have gone in the last few years were the borgota. i loved it the first time i walked in. it had the look, feel, security, everything you would find in vegas. the private dining facilty was first class. my wife, who does not like gambling, liked this place more than any other property outside of vegas.  but, like much of my experiences in AC after 2008, the machines just did not seem to like me. they are still the only place i ever played VP at, that paid 239 credits for 4 of a kind, DDB and TDB, 5-k.  just another reason i got so disappointed in AC. they had the potential, the only game east of the miss for decades and blew it.

 just another reason i got so disappointed in AC. they had the potential, the only game east of the miss for decades and blew it.Amen....exactly what I have been saying for several years now......but somehow, when I did it, it was "AC BASHING"......

Okay, been lurking for a while and reading about the possibility that casinos, particularly in AC are somehow reprogramming them to pay off less than the advertised paytable. Figured I needed to contribute something at last, so I went back to the records I've been keeping since 2007. Have played exclusively in AC during that time. Usually a 3-4 hr. session once a week on a Friday afternoon. Played at various casinos, but have pretty much only played at Borgata for the last 2 years. Here is what I found. Had a positive year for 5 of the 8 years, not bad, but 1st 3 years, 2007 thru 2009 were all positive, net for last 5 yrs. was negative. So things have been going in the wrong direction since 2010. Overall, still up for the 8 yrs. due to very good 2007 thru 2009. Typically play at .50 or 1.00 level, always 99.5 % or better games, practice, make a few small mistakes, but nothing to worry about. Don't know that this means anything, but there were better games available back in 2007 than there are today. Some 100% plus games. I know this contributed to better results in those early years. Know some pros who I used to see a lot back then, but haven't seen them in years. That pretty much sums up the current state of VP in AC. I know my sample size is not as large as many others on the site, but this is my experience.

     Ah ha....one more vp regular to post similar results since 2010. Most know, mine in Ct. have been way off since 2010 also and it is not the paytables or the play.
Hmmmmm.....jmo, if man can make it, then man can change it...

Again, I don't think the old slant tops at the Borgata, some of which still have 9/6 JOB have changed one bit and they have been there from the beginning, I think. Have tried the 9/5 SDB numerous times on the server based Game Kings and sometimes see $400-$500 dollars go quickly without a 4 OAK at the .50 level. Not saying they are gaffed, but something seems different.