video poker vs. slots

[notes1]

there was an article in the CASINO CITY TIMES the other day. the author was bringing up the subject of whether in today's world on 7/5 and 6/5 VP, should one consider slots. his point was that with reduced comp credits with VP and full comps on slots, VP might not be the better bargain. of course, not knowing the return of a slot machine makes it impossible to make an informed decision. but it is something to think about. 

[FloridaPhil]

I think this would be worth considering.  Our casinos do not give bonus points on video poker.   At those very low pay tables it may make sense to play slots, especially if accumulating comps is your goal.   Personally, I hate slots because they are boring not because they pay poorly.

[alpax]

It is a very good point, with the VP pay tables falling towards 95% return, slots are not too far behind. Slots normally earn at least twice as much comp points and are eligible for more bonus promotions.

Modern day slots are now mostly penny denomination with all sorts of gimmick attached. Very interactive and comes in just about any theme you can think of. Those slots pay less since part of it goes to royalties to use the theme, e.g. Wheel of Fortune for IGT machines.

My best advice for those that play slots is to play 3 to 5 coin traditional non-video reel shots in the quarter denomination. Nickel slots are becoming much harder to find in Vegas. The older slots are being phased out for penny slots where the number of lines is disabled and the minimum bet can be 25 cents, 40 cents, 50 cents, 80 cents, or even 100 cents. People psychologically think they are spending less with pennies, but will lose more when casinos enforce higher betting minimums.

From the American Casino Guide

[QUOTE]
1¢ Slot Machines

The Strip - 88.19%
Downtown - 88.83%
Boulder Strip - 89.14%
N. Las Vegas - 90.72%

5¢ Slot Machines

The Strip - 91.46%
Downtown - 91.30%
Boulder Strip - 96.42%
N. Las Vegas - 95.45%

25¢ Slot Machines

The Strip - 91.52%
Downtown - 94.76%
Boulder Strip - 96.71%
N. Las Vegas - 96.61%

$1 Slot Machines

The Strip - 93.37%
Downtown - 95.20%
Boulder Strip - 96.08%
N. Las Vegas - 96.03%
[/QUOTE]

[empirejeff]

Would it be better to play keno than slot machines?

[VP_vp]

Would it be better to play keno than slot machines?

Nope, Keno typically has a house edge higher than 10%.

[FAA]

7/5 and 6/5 VPI always shudder when I pass by these machines on the way to my 9/6 full pays. It's hard enough to break even on those.

[ko king]

7/5 and 6/5 VPI always shudder when I pass by these machines on the way to my 9/6 full pays. It's hard enough to break even on those.



Yep 7/5 & 6/5 is a scary thought, I know where it can be found in this area but you won't find me there. The casinos I go to either have 9/6 or 9/5 and I still can't come close to breaking even, I can't imagine how much worse it would be if I played 7/5 & 6/5.

[notes1]

can not predict the future, but one had better be prepared to see more and more lower paytable machines. these machine are popping up in places like vegas, so they are coming to a casino near you. one can say they will never play a machine like this, but then you will not be playing.  a slow economy, more casinos, same or less players, high fixed costs, high tax burden and the reduced importance of VP players to a casino's bottom line, gives us little power to influence paytables. the casino will simply remove the VP machine, that gives them a hold of 2-4% and replace it with a slot machine, that they will hold 8-14%.   

[djc32]

I agree with you notes. The popularity of penny slots is not good for the future VP. IMO those machines are the main reason why pay tables and slot clubs benefits have been slashed.
Even a 96% return / 4% hold on VP is not enough for the casinos when they can get that 8-14% from penny slots players who are also the majority of casino patrons these days.

[notes1]

if one lives in or near an area that has lots of casino competition, finding a better paytable may not be a big problem. but, the problem is that in many locations, agreements have been made with indian tribes or a single casino operator, that treats the casino like a monopoly. the governments that make these arrangements are more interested in getting 'their' cut, than providing a value to the player.   this is no different than if your region has only one cable company or utility provider. you may not want to deal with that company, but what can you do? the government sells the idea to the public of regulation, but the minimum payout requirement are so low, it gives the casinos lots of room to make money. if you only had one grocery store in your community,how much more would you pay for food.  casinos need to be forced to change, to provide a better entertainment value. but, until they have competition, until their industry is not protected, until more casinos go out of business, nothing will change.