In Sept 2003's "Wired" magazine, there is an article about DeMar,
the inventor of MultiStrike poker and the drive to fulfill 55-year-
old women's needs in a casino.
See link if you didn't buy the article.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/vegas.html
Cheers.
General Comments
At least one executive at a Chicago are casino is aware that unless volume
is very high the casino's hold is not sufficient for VP. It was stated that
VP players are becoming like blackjack counters were a few years ago. A
comment was even made that the public is becoming far more knowledgeable and
becoming like Bob Dancer (This person's quote not mine). I personally think
this is a huge exaggeration since I believe it is still rare to see even 5%
(More like 1%?) of the regular public have a clue how to properly play VP.
However it is also apparent that certain games ONLY have knowledgeable
people playing them (eg 2 Pair Jokers) Most people would rather play the
exciting 9/15/20 line .05 games with the fun and excitement. I also believe
that Bob Dancer et al have educated the populace to generate greater DEMAND
for better games which could actually have a positive affect for VP.
However percention is reality for many of these casino personnel and they do
not really care to closely examine a situation. I believe it is likely that
comps, cashback and treatment will decline for educated VP players in the
Chicago area. In Chicago the positive edge for VP is typically less than
.5% (although better opportunities do occur at times) which requires a
SUBSTANTIAL bankroll.
Including our Vegas play with higher positive ER we have had our worst year
since starting VP. We have played over 1.3 million coin in so far this year
and are DOWN after cash back over $10,000 (about .77%) This is mostly .25
play and we are "behind" over 12 Royals. We have accumulated more comps
than ever before (which is why we started doing this in the first place) but
I am dissapointed in my VP play. Actually my wife has been doing quite
well, I am the one that is killing our VP play. I have not had a Royal
since June 10th. (And deuces hide from me)
Amazingly enough we would be even further behind except for some
"recreational" minor SLOT play which has been positive. I guess this year
for me at least it is better to be lucky that good....
Here's an update.
Majestic Star Gary, IN
Bad news. At least on of the IGT .25 slant top Multi-game machines has been
changed. 9/6 Bonus Deluxe is GONE. 2 pair Joker has been changed from the
99.92% version to the Atlantic City version with Bad paytables. I was
unable to check the other .25 slant top with these games but the Dollar
single line machines appear to be intact with these two games. I was unable
to check the three .05 1-45 coin machines with these games. More bad
news??? They have ordered 45 new VP machines. Anyone want to bet on the
paytables? AND KENO is coming back to the VP machines which may mean that
it will be impossible to get a seat at one of the good machines. Still a
few good games here but if you play more your cash back percent will
decline. Oh, they are in the process of switching form the IGT
player/marketing system to Bally's. I do not recall the name of the
software…
Harrah's Joliet.
As reported earlier BONUS reward credits here are accumulating at less than
1x for VP (and slots too it appears.) As also reported earlier the 5 play
DDB game with the Royal progressive on each line was removed because it was
leased and Harrah's Joliet is cutting as many expenses as possible.
Blackjack play is now only rated for $25 per hand and up. Numerous 99.5+%
games still exist for the dollar player.
Harrah's East Chicago
Harrah's East Chicago is in a war with BINIONS' Horseshoe (which is for
sale) and due to the less than enthusiastic reponse to TR2 Harrah's has been
mailing numerous Bonus point multiplier coupons. Coupons are three, five or
even seven times points. With these coupons even some of the less than
exciting VP games become SLIGHTLY playable although better options still are
around at other locations.
Trump
It has been reported (and experienced by me) that cash back has been
declining. Percents vary based on whether you win or lose and (supposedly
although not confirmed) based on whether you use comps. Nothing is
documented so alot of guess work is going on here. A few good games 99.5+%
exist although cash back no longer even provides a positive opportunity in
most cases. The rooms are declining, the food opportuities are limited
(although they now have Starbucks coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.) Trump
is also for sale and Majestic Star has placed at least one bid. Lets hope
that does not happen since we need more competition not less.
Frankly, unless you have a special play, if you are playing over $10,000
coin in per day for a few days in a row, you are probably able to cover your
travel expenses and go to las Vegas rather than play in the Chicago area....