Casino City Newsletter: Issue 207Volume 3 Page 3

OK, Class, it's test time. I've created this 2-part test for novice and veteran slot players.

I find that slot players possess different levels of expertise and education.

There's the group that believes that all you have to know is how to push a spin button or pull that handle. Some think all slots are alike and pay the same.
Others got educated once with no continuing education and are bewildered by the newest slot versions arriving frequently to the casino floor.

We all need to upgrade our slots education to stay current, myself included. I visit casinos at least once a week to get educated and work very hard researching any new versions or strategies. Tough work that must be done! I offer up this quiz in the expectation that all slot players will forever hear the sound of 'raining coins'.

Let's get started...

1) What is an RNG?

A. Really Nice Gambling?
B. Random Number Generator?
C. Right Number Gaming?

B. Random Number Generator: a computer chip placed inside each slot that is programmed to generate multiple combinations of symbols and payouts. A selection is picked randomly, thus determining the final outcome. A busy little drone.

2) What are the three types of slots?

A. Basic, Progressive and Bonus slots?
B. Red White & Blue 7's?
C. Flat Tops, Megabucks and Double Diamonds?

A. The three types of slots are basic, (aka straight slots or 'flat-tops') that have a constant jackpot. Progressives with an ever-changing jackpot and the latest gaming trend, bonus video slots that offer a bonus round for extra winnings. Although the RNG runs all three types, there are different playing strategies for each type.

3) What are loose and tight machines?

A. One has more graphic symbols, tight have fewer?
B. Loose machines have better payouts, tight machines less?
C. Loose machines offer more slot versions, tight machines fewer choices?

B. Loose machines are a slot players' dream. They are programmed with more paying symbols and combinations resulting in better payouts. Tight machines are the opposite. Yikes, they're stingy.

4) What is a hold percentage?

A. Monies held by winning slot players?
B. % of coins held by casino?
C. % of coins through the slots?

B. Percentage of coins played that the casinos keep in their hot little hands. The looser 98% slots hold two dollars while returning 98 dollars to the player.
But, hold on, that percentage is over the long term--perhaps months, while short-term play return percentages can bounce around more than a roulette ball.

5) Do some slots have a higher 'hit' frequency?

A. YES?
B. NO?
C. All the same?

A. With the introduction of the new bonus video slots, hit frequencies have been increased to a high of every 2-3 spins. While you don't always get your original bet back, these graphic-rich slots provide the most entertainment for your money. Wager management is the key here. It's not always wise to bet maximum coins every time.

6) What is a multiplier slot?

A. Slot that has multiple graphics and symbols?
B. Pays more for more coins played on certain winning combinations?
C. Multiplies your win no matter how many coins played?

B. Stated simply, the more coins played, the better the winning payouts. Particular symbol payouts, as per slot schedule, are multiplied by number of coins played. This can mean the difference between a 2-coin payout and a 10-coin payout for max. coin in play. So, 1 bar, 2 bars, 3 bars--oh yeah!

7) What is a nudge slot?

A. Wild Symbol combination pays?
B. A certain combination nudges you to the Bonus round?
C. Paying Symbol dropping up or down on center payline for win?

C. Come on baby, drop that paying symbol down and give mama a big win.
It could be a basketball, diamond, cherry or wild symbol. You just need a little nudge up or down to that center payline and you're in the money.

8) What is a 'certified' slot?

A. A slot with a certificate from the manufacturer?
B. Slot that is guaranteed to payback a large percentage, as high as 98%+?
C. Slot that is certified to have a certain number of symbols?

B. Most casinos promote their 'certified' slots at a bank or carousel with flashing, large, neon lights generally near the entrance of the casino. Like carnival
barkers, these round neons seem to say: "step right up, folks, see the slots with huge payouts, play the big winners, yowser, yowser, yowser".
Most 'certified' slots are at least dollar denominations.

9) Will all 'certified' slots payout their advertised rate all the time?

A. YES?
B. NO?
C. Can I sell you some land in Pango-Pango?

B. 'Certified' slots payouts; whether they are advertised at 98% or 100% are programmed over an average period of time that could be weeks or months.
As you know, timing is crucial in the slots game and the same goes for 'certified' versions. Don't stay too long, determine the total amount you want to
wager before you play, streeetch your gambling bankroll and have fun.

10) What's a short win?

A. A small jackpot?
B. A win just before you are running out of money?
C. A large win with a small cash outlay?

C. This happens all the time. A large jackpot is hit with a minimal cash outlay.
15 bucks gets you $1000's. Now that's a long win on a short chance.
Take the money and run!

Until next we meet, remember: 'Not only do you have good luck with a gambling education, but you are making your luck.'

Slots Quiz - Part 1 By Gayle Mitchell

Slots Quiz - Part 1
By Gayle Mitchell