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.

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: Volatile video poker games come with a price

Choosing to play video poker during a casino outing is not as easy as it may seem. There's a wide variety of games from which to choose, some of which are better than others in respect to long-term payback based on expert play.

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?

Taking a chance by any other name still gambling

Apparently "acceptable gambling" is in the eye of the beholder.

Casino Scene: Holiday recipe for casino players

Sometimes you can open a cookbook, follow the instructions for a recipe to the letter, and still have things turn out less than perfect. In order to achieve the desired result, everything has to go just right.

Letting it ride at the casino

Let It Ride is a poker hybrid that’s played at a blackjack-style table. There’s one thing for certain: The game has staying power on casino floors nationwide. Ever since its introduction to America’s gambling repertoire many years ago, it thrives as a game people seek for a refreshing altern…

Casino Scene: Major decision on this video poker hand

A good friend of mine who lives in Las Vegas usually heads for the craps table when he gets the itch to gamble. It's really the only casino game he takes seriously.

Market dynamics dictate casino business strategies

Las Vegas is much more than the "Gambling Capital of the World." The city is really two gambling worlds in one.

Casino Scene: Casino outing makes for a great date night

Have you ever taken that special someone on a casino date? It certainly could be an exciting way to spend some time together. After all, not too many years ago the only way to experience Las Vegas style action was Las Vegas itself!

Monopoly slots continue to appeal to players

The classic board game of Monopoly has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide during its 77-year history.

Game of craps requires attention to manners

Here are some points to remember when playing craps.

DISHONEST SLOT PLAYERS CHEAT THEMSELVES

A number of years ago a software glitch in some WMS slot machine products that allowed players to cheat the machines created huge waves in the gaming industry.

Can craps players control the dice?

I have always been a skeptic about what is known in casino circles as "dice control." This expression refers to the theory that it is possible for craps players to alter the random probability of the numerical combination of rolls of the dice.

How much do casinos know about you?

Just how much do the casinos know about you? If you're a slot player and you use a player's club card, it's a cinch they know quite a bit.

Sound advice for slot players

Have you ever fallen into the trap of playing a slot machine longer than you had intended? In all likelihood, it happened because you were waiting for "just one more bonus round" on one of the video games that have taken over casino floors nationwide.

CASINO SCENE: Card counting isn't that complicated

Blackjack is unique among casino games in that the odds fluctuate with every deal. Depending upon which cards have been dealt and which remain, the advantage which the house wields over players changes constantly. At times it's greater, at other times less, sometimes even tipping toward play…

CASINO SCENE: Take slot machine warning stickers seriously

Slot players everywhere are aware of the little sticker that’s on every slot and video poker machine in every casino in the country: “Machine malfunction voids all plays.”

CASINO SCENE: Craps isn't as difficult as it looks

Average casino players should break away from restricting their play to the slot machines and learn how to play table games. Craps, for example, looks complicated and intimidating to the beginner. The true fact of the matter is the game can be simple to learn and easy to play if you just tak…

CASINO SCENE: Dealers are not infallible

The men and women who deal casino games are among the most scrutinized work force in the country. Their every move is captured by "eye-in-the-sky" security cameras, and they are constantly being monitored by supervisory floor personnel.

CASINO SCENE: Blackjack evolves but remains vibrant

No casino table game has undergone as many changes through the years as blackjack. What was once perceived by casinos as a game of chance took on a whole new perspective back in 1962 when Edward O. Thorp, a professor of mathematics at the University of California at Irvine, published Beat th…

CASINO SCENE: Is gambling an art or a science?

I would venture an opinion that a majority of casino goers look upon gaming as more of a recreational activity than an art or a science.

CASINO SCENE: Costly way for casinos to make money

It's a well known fact in gambling circles that blackjack players who adhere to the principles of basic strategy can keep the house advantage on the game to under two percent, making it one of the best games to play. Then how does one account for the fact that "hold" (casino win) on blackjac…

CASINO SCENE: Patience is the appeal of Pai Gow poker

Every once in a while I receive an inquiry from a reader regarding the game of Pai Gow Poker.

CASINO SCENE: Are slot machines 'wolves in sheep's clothing?'

Slot machine play on a video screen using interactive technology and multi-line/multi-coin capabilities was only a dream at one time. Today it’s not only a reality, video slots have taken over casino floors nationwide.

CASINO SCENE: Behavior detection works at poker tables too

Behavior detection has become a primary component of security protocol, but long before the science was applied to potential terrorists it was practiced by participants in the world of poker.

CASINO SCENE: Smart gambling is the player's best defense

The built–in house advantage that casinos wield over all the games they offer is relentless, a virtual guarantee to wear down every gambler's bankroll over the long haul.

CASINO SCENE: Video slots win players' favor

Casino floors both in the Chicago-area and in gambling jurisdictions nationwide are dominated by video slots that feature multi-line, multi-coin games with bonus features and interactive capabilities that give gamblers a playing experience the old generation of machines just can’t match.

CASINO SCENE: Multi-denomination slot machines pose player questions

Even what you think would be elementary and essential information about slot machines that casino goers who wish to be informed are entitled to know is extremely difficult to find.

CASINO SCENE: How well did you do on the quiz?

Here are the correct responses to last week's quiz:

CASINO SCENE: Take a gamble on this quiz

Got your casino gambling thinking caps on? Take this casino gaming quiz. Here we go:

CASINO SCENE: How do you like your blackjack?

Have you ever pondered what really separates informed casual players from students of the game of blackjack? The answer is keeping mental track of the cards that have been played in order to make more informed playing decisions, both strategically and financially.

CASINO SCENE: Saturday's Kentucky Derby kicks off elusive 'Crown'

Every sport has a championship showdown. In baseball it's the World Series, in football it's the Super Bowl, in hockey it's the Stanley Cup. What are the common denominators among them? Answer: All are team sports and there is a winner every year.

CASINO SCENE: Useful slot information dispels myths

Useful information about slot machines is hard to come by. Here are a few bits of information you should know:

CASINO SCENE: Video poker plays as random as possible

Have you ever wondered about the technology behind video poker games and if the games we play are truly random?

CASINO SCENE: Will slots at Illinois tracks ever become a reality?

After months of talk speculating about the possibility of introducing slot machines to Illinois' horse racing tracks, will this ever become a reality?