Understanding the game of craps

Have you ever watched a craps game during a casino outing and wished you knew how to play? The game can appear very intimidating and the layout can look very complicated, factors which prevent many people from getting up enough nerve to step up to the table and get into the game.

Casino Scene: Knowledge is power when you gamble

Whenever you go on a casino gambling venture, you should bring along more than money. You should arm yourself with the proper know-how, self-control, and the ability to play the games intelligently. If you don't do it, the casinos are not going to do it for you.

Answering questions about video poker strategy

The late Lenny Frome was the father of modern video poker strategy. He was an unabashed devotee of video poker as the game of choice in casinos across the country and mentor to many of today's popular writers on the subject. Lenny's constant admonition to players was: "Learn video poker stra…

Derby-themed slot slow out of the gate

In spite of the fact casinos and race tracks are related through gambling, slot machine manufacturers have been unsuccessful in developing a game that incorporates the excitement of horse racing.

Millions to one odds can be beaten

A number of years ago a 25-year-old software programmer from Los Angeles lined up the Megabucks jackpot symbols on a machine in the Excalibur Casino & Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and won a world record slot jackpot of $39,713,982.25.

This lawsuit had plenty of food for thought

A good number of years ago a woman filed a $10 million class-action lawsuit against Detroit casinos claiming the bonus spin feature on Wheel of Fortune slot machines is programmed to pay off an abundance of lower awards.

Protecting your bankroll means staying alert

During a recent gambling outing I received a little casino "wake-up" call that I'd like to share with you. Here's what happened:

Casino Scene: Casinos take slot machine disclaimer seriously

Every slot player is aware of the little sticker that’s on every slot and video poker machine in every casino in the country: “Machine malfunction voids all pays and plays”.

Casino Scene: Conservative play can backfire

Being a fiscal conservative when it comes to playing casino games has always served me well, but there are rare occasions when it can backfire.

Casino Scene: Triple Play revolutionized video poker

When the game of Triple Play Draw Poker was introduced, it took the casino industry by storm to such an extent that people who have never played video poker before find themselves attracted to them.

Casino Scene: Restaurants trump gambling in Las Vegas

People will always go to casinos primarily to gamble, but the opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience or take in a show plays a prominent role as well.

Casinos adapt to economic climate

They're never going to hold a "tag day" for casinos, even in today's battered economy. Even though the revenues are down for many properties across the country, it doesn't mean they're not making money. They're just making less than they did when times were good.

Playing baccarat isn't as complicated as it looks

The popularity of baccarat, especially at casino destinations in Northwest Indiana, attracts the attention of gamblers who aren't familiar with the game but still have a desire to play.

Racetrack casinos in Illinois long overdue

There has been much heated debate revolving around the topic of gaming expansion in Illinois in recent years. The only decision reached thus far was to bring video gaming to restaurants, bars and lounges in the state.

Wild video poker ride worth taking again

Bob Dancer, one of the world's foremost authorities on video poker, is not only a teacher. He practices quite efficiently what he preaches. One of his first books, "Million Dollar Video Poker," is a fascinating personal account of how he parlayed his drive and skill to beat the game.

Casino Scene: Huge jackpot chances big lure for tribal casinos

One huge advantage tribal casinos have over state-regulated casinos in the Chicago-area market is the availability of wide-area progressive slot machines capable of awarding jackpots in the hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars.

Casino Scene: Casino promotions are in the eye of the beholder

The majority of Chicago area casino-goers are members of casino player's clubs, which means every month their mailboxes are probably filled with marketing letters and postcards announcing special promotions.

Can wear and tear create a roulette wheel bias?

The roulette wheel has long been the subject of rumor regarding its integrity.

Tribal gaming doesn't go unregulated

Everyone is aware of the strict guidelines and operating procedures to which state-regulated casinos are held. But who sets the standards and controls for Native American properties?