Video Poker Forum

Last year's new Labor Dept. tax charts killed Sweet C and me on April 15 since the university didn't hold out enough and then we had a 3rd qtr withholding penalty for not withholding enough. Great! I don't work summers so how could I not pay enough quarterly taxes? My retirement check is the same every month. Finally, it dawned on me. The third quarter we had a huge run at the casino and we didn't pay Federal taxes on the amount we won causing the penalty.

So with the 3rd quarter this year again being a huge run of hand pays - I dutifully started withholding Federal with the mandatory State taxes. That 30% is killing me and creating a huge bite into our bankroll. No wins zees - no plays zees. Sweet C and I also agreed to reduce our denomination play 25¢ to reduce the chances of a hand pay. So of course this happens after we move down in denomination.
Losing $600 helped make our two night trip become a limited bankroll trip since my better half was rarely dealt two cards of the same color and we are a community state family. But, it works both ways - Sweet C has bailed me out many a time.

LL, I think this deserves a congratulations albeit the taxman waits in the wings.

Congratulations, I think. If only you hadn’t gone and hit that second RF.

Congrats to you and Sweet C Double L. You too have the same affliction that I do: you very much enjoy playing multi-line and find single line completely boring. Nothing against those who enjoy playing single line, to each their own.

Nice trip LL taxes is part of the game. Just need to get enough to write it off on the FED return!

Good luck with that pipe dream.

OTABILL, FAA, thanks for the kind words and wisdom.

Tedlark - root canal, watching grass grow, counting grains of sand - I've tried single hand several times recently. The adrenaline just doesn't flow the same as when playing multi-hand. I've actually done fairly well but the "thrill is gone".....

wildman49 the state taxes I don't mind, we get them back since we are non-residents. Its the G-2 amount that blows up the Gross Income before we take the losses which have all but once or twice exceeded the gains.

I think I'm going to start a national petition to raise G2 level to $2,500. The old dollar ain't what it once was due to inflation. Who's game with me?

FAA -Not counting my soulmate Sweet C, since i don't smoke, drink, or even indulge in coffee (good Southern Sweet Tea and Coke handle my caffeine addiction) if I lose Pipe Dreams and Fantasies what else will be left in life....at my age memories and fantasies are really important.

Short side story: Last trip I sat by an older gentleman, probably in his late 80's or early 90's, who suffered from macular degeneration so bad he had to almost lay his face on the screen to see the hands. We got to talking as his kids (or maybe grandkids) came to check on him. He was trying to teach them to play VP. HIs mind was as sharp as ever and he knew his strategies. He told me how much he loved VP as it kept his mind alert. As we talked and Sweet C and I later met his wonderful wife and I asked his background. When he told me I realized I knew of him. He was a retired minister who had started one of the largest Interfaith organizations in the Houston area - our church was a contributor to the group. They told us they tried to come every few months so he could have the pleasure of playing just a few more times until he was completely blind. Just another one of those stories I think about when I think forget how blessed I am in my life. Thanks pastor for the blessing you gave Sweet C and me. It means a lot to us.

The level should be 5k minimum. Preferably there should be none!

lucky larry , how refreshing to see great gratitude !!!

Great story LL. What a blessing it is to be mostly functional as i approach that decade of age. A few things don't work as good as they used to but i try to think about the losses others endure and count every day above ground as a good day.