Such-n-such percent
return means what?
Dear Mark,
Exactly what does it mean when a casino advertises that
its payback percentage is such-n-such percent? Dorothy
M.
You speak of slot
machines, nıest pas? Each machine is scrupulously
designed and tested to assure the casino a definite
payback. The "payback percentage" is the portion of the
money that is put into the slot that is eventually paid
out to the player.
For example, with a payback of 95%, the casino would
latch onto about 5% of all money put into the slot. You,
Dorothy, should get back 95 cents of every dollar you
insert. Of course, donıt expect 95˘ to clang in the tray
for every dollarıs worth of handle yanks. The percentage
return is a long-term concept. Your gaming timeline is
possibly limited to 200 yanks of the handle, not
millions, so any percentage return (as low as a goose
egg to as high as a mega-jackpot), can, and will happen.
But, of course, if you knew ahead of time what the
result was going to be, you wouldnıt be playing, would
you?
In most gambling jurisdictions, the law requires that
payback percentages be above a threshold level, commonly
around 75%. Fortunately, the payback percentage in most
casino machines is much higher than the minimum, even
some advertised as high as 98%-plus. Itıs those machines
advertised for high paybacks, Dorothy, which you want to
play on. Leave the rest for the slow learners.
Dear Mark,
Is there any possibility that a video poker machine can
be programmed to never give you a royal flush? Cam F.
The short answer, Cam, is: yep, but
Hereıs the long one: technology does exist for machines
to be set to act other than randomly. Such machines are
obviously programmed to avoid giving the players
sweetmeat hands, and instead to give the house a much
bigger advantage. Reassuringly, these machines are
illegal in Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado and all other
states that pattern their gaming regulations after those
states. Calling 911 may not help.
Dear Mark,
In poker, could you please explain the difference
between a Blind bet and an Ante? Candy G.
Just to stimulate that all-important action before
the first cards are dealt, most poker games, Candy,
require an ante or a blind bet. If antes are used, all
players must post a standard amount of seed money
up-front in order to receive their first cards. Youıll
find antes used in your traditional Stud games. Blind
wagers, as found in Texas Holdıem and Omaha, have the
same general purpose but with slight differences. With
blind bets, the first two players to the left of the
dealer post their bets before they see any cards, and
are thus, still "blind." This required wager rotates
around the table. Because blinds exact forced wagers,
blind bettors, in return, can raise once the betting has
gone around the table the first time and itıs their turn
to act again.
Dear Mark,
I have noticed recently an increase in poker questions.
Thatıs great for me because it is my favorite game. Any
reason for it? Rick W.
Mark Twain once said, "There are few things that are
so unpardonably neglected in our country as poker! It is
enough to make one ashamed of oneıs species." That wonıt
happen here, Rick. Besides, questions on poker are
whatıs showing up in the mailbag of late. It could be
influenced by coverage of the World Series of Poker on
ESPN, or the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel. But
Iım guessing itıs because there are over 130 million on
the planet who, like you, enjoy the game.
Online Gambling quote of the week: "There may be
glitter, glitz, and romance in a casino, but at the end
of the day theyıre just like any other business: If they
cease to make a profit, they soon cease to exist." --
Gambling For Dummies (The book)
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