I have an idea that one advantage that Las Vegas locals have in video
poker (or other minimal house advantage games like black jack) is
their ability to "come back tomorrow". From personal experience, and
in talking to others, the worst thing that can happen to a visitor is
the early win. Since the visitor probably can't gamble at their
home, they have to gamble it up in Vegas. After the big win, the
percentages and lack of practice work against the visitor, and they
are lucky to break even.
The local, on the other hand, can get a small win each day to
supplement their normal income, since they can leave and come back
each day. If the local chooses a low volitility game, such as
Pick 'Em Poker, there are good pays at the low end of the paytable.
The player can play at a $5 or $10 machine, make a quick $100 or
$200, and leave. The local would probably have a stop loss for those
bad days, but would seem to come out ahead in the long run.
Please let me know the flaw in this idea. Thanks!
Dan in El Paso