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If you’re playing slots within a Native American Casino there exists a good chance that you’re actually playing on a Class II slot bingo machine. It seems like a typical slot machine and you play it much as as you would a real slot machine but it’s really a sophisticated electronic bingo device. Somewhere on the screen you’ll even see your bingo card and in many cases you are able to change the card once you feel like it.

Let’s take a closer look at Class II slot machines and observe how they’re different from the slot machines you’d play in a Las Vegas casino.

A Little Back Story
In the year 1988 the United States enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), establishing the basic structure that was made to govern Native American gaming laws. The act established 3 classes of gaming:

Class I: traditional and social games for minimal prizes
Class II: games of chance based off the game of bingo
Class III: a catch-all sounding games that can’t be considered Class I or II, like slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.
Knowing the hurdles Native American casinos faced allowing Class III slots, gaming companies began developing Class II gaming machines: games that play like regular slots but are technically fancy versions of bingo.

Differences between Class II Games and Regular Slots

Standard (class III) slots incorporate random number generators (RNG) that produce many tens and thousands of random numbers every second. Whenever you spin the reels, the RNG immediately locks in the winning or losing values at that very moment. Then your slot assigns reel positions to elements of the random number and evaluates your win (if there is one). There’s a little more to the method but this is the basic idea.

To be legally considered a type II slot machine, the end result must be on the basis of the game of bingo. Software developers had to be creative to come up with class II games that would technically and legally adhere to the law. Different approaches were often taken. On some, like WMS and Multimedia Games, your machine’s “bingo card” remains constant and the drawn numbers change each time. On others (like VGT), you remain in exactly the same game while your card randomly changes with each spin.

How the game in implemented doesn’t particularly matter. What matters is that the game has the required elements necessary to be bingo: over 1 player (class II slots must certainty be networked together) and a couple of numbers drawn that must match a routine to result in a win that ends the game (a game-ending pattern).

The truth is Class II slots still count on RNG to generate the cards and drawn numbers. It doesn’t matter if the RNG is creating simulated bingo cards/numbers on a type II game or virtual reel positions on a type III slot – the answers are still random. Payouts are determined on regular slots by adjusting the reels and likelihood of landing on any position. Payouts on class II slots are defined by specifying the bingo patterns that must precisly be matched to the amount of numbers drawn.

Why Native American Casinos Prefer Class II
While many modern Native American casinos have a mixture of class II and III games, they often have a choice toward class II games. And if you see the mix of slots, the numbers typically skew heavily towards class II games. Why?

The IGRA granted tribes the power to self-regulate Class II gaming. Whereas tribes have to enter state compacts to supply class III games.

Another reason Native American casinos prefer class II games is that tribes don’t owe taxes on class II revenue like they do on class III games.

Licensed slots and all the fancy new, popular games aren’t obtainable in class II form, so Native American casinos keep a mix. Although most of the newer popular slots are being adapted to class II by IGT and others.

The Bottom Line on Class II Slots
Modern class II games will look, act, sound, and feel like typical class III, Vegas-style slots.

Class II games are often criticized due to their mysterious nature, leading some to believe they could be rigged. They’re networked together as a central server is actually determining the wins.

Class III slots go through rigorous third-party and government testing to ensure their randomness and resistance to rigging. Class II slots go through a few of the same tests, but the self-regulating nature and not enough transparency of Native American casinos have historically raised questions about their fairness.

Though their back-end operates differently, both class II and class III games still ultimately count on RNG. Casinos don’t need certainly to rig the machines because the games’math is in their favor. That’s not to imply their games’programmed payout percentage is going to be to your liking, but the idea of some casino worker selectively selecting who’s likely to win and lose on class II games isn’t likely.

 

 

So I was doing random searches on Youtube and was surprised to find this video that compared several keno systems. I was all smiles whenThe Four Card Mystic Keno Charts was tested and selected as the best keno system that they could find. They reviewed several systems and saved ours toward the end of their video. It was very exciting to hear what they said about what they called the ‘Mystic’ keno system.

I don’t know the couple that did this but the video was produced very nicely and I do hope they attract a lot of people to watch it. I’m hoping that is the case not just because they mention our Four Card Keno Smart Charts and this site but because they deserve it. What they did by making a keno strategy comparison video is to give their viewers a quick overview of the most popular and proven keno playing techniques. Still, I’m glad to see that the Keno Smart Charts came out on top.

We all have to remember that keno is primarily a game of chance and it is ruled by the laws of probability. The odds, like all the odds in casino games, favor the house. The systems that they compare only give the player more playing time, or in the case of the Keno Smart Charts, bigger jackpots.

 

Luck can be illusive. We all know that.

Sometimes I tune in to the financial programs on the radio. It’s fascinating to hear different assumptions and predictions concerning the stock market and other investments.

Some shows claim they’ve methods for timing the marketplace and others claim that timing the marketplace is impossible. Some say buy and hold is the only way to invest and others claim that you’ve got to track your investments and know when to get out. Some claim that real-estate is one of the worst investments and others say it’s one of the best.

Advice about casino gambling and luck is very similar to
the advice that’s available in regards to the stock market.

Casino gambling experts basically breakdown into two major types: Those who rely on the numbers and those that rely on luck and intuition. I’d argue that both views are correct – at times.

If you go strictly by the math, there are certainly some games that are better to play than others. Probably the best example of gambling using math versus gambling by luck alone is video poker compared to play on a slot machines. The story is that you can’t tell what your chances are whenever you play a slot machine plus you’ve no say in the outcome. However, in video poker you’ve the option of holding certain cards and the odds can be precisely calculated. While that may be true, from what I’ve seen, there’s lots of unlucky video poker players.

On the other hand, some of the biggest jackpots I’ve seen winners are won by slot machine players. And let’s not forget keno players and the Four Card Keno Chart Strategy many are using. Those are supposedly some of the worst games in the casino. So what’s going on?

As I said, there’s a certain amount of truth in both views regarding what’s going on in the casino. Over time, the numbers will always work out in favor of the casino.  But in the short run, you are able to win at at any game at any time. The battle between playing by luck and the numbers will turn out to be about even in the short run.

So what can we learn from this? For many players it’ll boil down to the old saying, When you’re hot you’re hot, when you’re not you’re not. Yeah, yeah, not too profound, but it’s true.

May the good thing be yours.

Generally, Las Vegas attracts two sets of visitors. Some enter the world famous adult playground to have at the attractions and maybe perform a little gambling. Others come mostly for the gambling and to obtain the greatest bang for their gambling dollar. A number of the latter are savvy to the means of the casino.

Players which have studied, those who have at least an idea of what to anticipate of the games and the way the casinos operate, will gamble utilizing their players club card. They ensure it is a point out use their players card for the games they play. Players cards may be used when playing slots, video poker, keno and even card games. Once players come to comprehend the numerous advantages of utilizing the players club card they won’t gamble without needing it.

Only the uninformed or inexperienced is likely to be found gambling at a casino without signing up at the players club before placing their first bet.

The card that’s issued at the players club should be inserted into any slot, video poker or keno machine that you play. It may be used at live games by handing it the attendant or manager of the overall game – such as live keno or card games.

Each card features a unique identification number that’s assigned to the player. It allows the casino to keep track of the total amount of money that the casino player wagers. Benefits, usually utilizing a point system, are then calculated predicated on that amount and other factors.

It doesn’t matter if a person wins or losses, free stuff is likely to be made open to any player that uses the card predicated on the points they accrue. Those freebies might take the form of comped rooms, discounts on meals, gifts and special promotions that the casino may offer. Every casino differs in how they apply casino points but underneath line is that utilizing the card you’ll earn something back for the play. If that you do not use the card you’ll get nothing.

So even if you lose the casino provides you with something in-turn for enough time that’s spent gambling on their property.

Video poker players are a unique breed compared to other gamblers in the casino. It might look like just another slot machine, but playing video poker is really very different than simply pressing a button or pulling the handle of a slot machine.

The reason for that is video poker is truly a game that is skill-based but uniquely combined with a randomly shuffled deck of cards.  Historically, video poker was the first skill based game to appear in a casino.

With the use of mathematical and probability principles various video poker games are developed.

The payback percentages are not hidden like they are on a slot machine. Video poker players play the game with a standard 52-card deck (except in the Joker’s Wild game). Cards are shuffled and dealt the precise randomness of a standard deck of cards. So you’re just as likely to be dealt one card as another – depending on what’s available in the deck.. That being the case, it’s possible to ascertain the precise possibility of any of the 2,598,960 possible initial deals. Much better than that, we are able to also determine the precise possibility of any final hand being dealt once we hold or discard certain cards.

Since we know the possibility of the final hand, we are able to assign an expected value of the hold or discard. In that way we are able to determine best cards to hold or discard to provide us the greatest return over time. Video poker players don’t play hunches or guesses. We know the probabilities and make our decisions based on the underlying mathematical expectations.

As an example, we might hold a couple of Aces instead of  keeping four cards to a flush. But we don’t do this because we just hope to get more Aces. We do it because we know it is the better play. We know that the possibility of being dealt a Flush is precisely 9 in 47 (nine remaining cards of this suit from the 47 cards remaining in the deck). We also know there are two remaining Aces out of this 47 but there’s also far more possibilities of improving the hand by getting Two Pair or even a Full House.

When we multiply the payout of each final winning hand by the possibility of getting that hand and sum these values we get our expected value. The expected value of a Pair of Aces is greater than that of our 4-Card Flush so we play a Pair of Aces. There’s just one’best play ‘, and that’s it.

Similarly, if we had a Pair of 9’s within that Flush, we’d hold the 4-Card Flush instead as the expected value is greater than that of a Low Pair. Continuing this pattern, if that 4-Card Flush were instead a 4-Card Straight, we’d hold the Low Pair within the 4-Card Straight as the Low Pair has the bigger expected value.

Playing video poker can be in comparison to employing a basic strategy when playing Blackjack. In video poker there’s a technique for each of the different variations of the game. That is, there’s a correct hold and discard for just about any hand that we’re dealt. On top of that, you can know the precise payback of a video poker machine by looking at an information of what the winning hands pay (the pay table). In the event that you see two machines with identical pay tables, then you can certainly expect identical returns, when you play with the correct strategy.

You can find out more about video poker and practice playing realistic games online. You can play your favorite video poker and keno games for free. There’s also a tutor mode to teach you the correct hold and discards for what are typically the most popular games. You’re invited to give it a try today.

 

 

One excited lady from Lenawee County explained to reporters that winning the $100,000 jackpot playing Club Keno was quite a “surreal experience.”

A photo of Heidi Huber-Stein is on the left. She lives in Clinton, and she won the big prize when her Club Keno numbers – 03-13-19-23-35-40-44-47-53-60 – matched 10 of the 20 Club Keno numbers drawn in draw 1610054 on Aug. 2. She bought the winning ticket at The Village Tap, located at 237 East Main Street in Manchester.

“I was working at the bar and decided to buy a ticket,” said the 49-year-old Huber-Stein. “I scanned the ticket and got a message saying I needed to bring the ticket to Lansing, but I wasn’t sure why. The next day I had a friend check the ticket and that is when I found out I won $100,000!”

Heidi came into Lottery headquarters Tuesday to claim her big jackpot. With her winnings, she and her husband plan to pay off their house, give to charity, and then invest the rest.

“Winning is surreal. You see people win big all of the time, but you never expect that you’ll be a big winner,” Huber-Stein said.

Club Keno is one of the Lottery’s most popular games, giving players 37 different ways to play and become a winner. Players can select up to ten numbers to match from one to 80, with jackpot amounts determined based on the dollar amount the player wagered. Club Keno is popularly played at Lottery retailers all over the state. Drawings are every three and a half minutes. Results and live drawings may be found online at http://www.michiganlottery.com.

By The Original “Mystic Gambler”

Back in the 80’s I was in Laughlin with a friend and we were having unusually good luck playing keno and slot machines. It seemed that we couldn’t lose. We both had won $1,200 playing the keno special at the Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall and we were feeling pretty high. As we were taking the ferry boat over to the Riverside Casino he asked me, “Do you think we could make a living doing this?”

I’ve read articles where people say that they can live off their gambling winnings. I have my doubts about that but I know for a fact that you can do really well when it comes to getting comped. And I speak from experience. One of the reasons for this is that the perceived value of a comp, the published ‘retail value’, is much higher than what the benefit actually costs the casino.

Let’s take the cost of a buffet for example. The actual cost of the food eaten may only cost the casino but the perceived value could be $25 or more by the player. Or a comped ticket to a show that may have not sold out might not cost the home casino anything. The same thing goes for rooms that may be given away for certain nights. The casino more than makes up for these perceived values.

So, how is it possible to get an “edge” over the house? To begin with, you must know the best way to play your keno ticket – or cards.  To do that you can learn to do the calculation yourself, use a computer program, study on the internet, read a good book or The Mystic Gambler Keno Smart Charts.

It’s true that the game of keno is managed not to payout more than is taken in, there can be exceptions. Most notably being the circumstance of a progressive being so high that the percentages switch over to be in favor of the players. This has been documented at The Atlantis (Reno) in their “more to the Meter” progressive where 50 cents of every ticket goes into the progressive, as well as statewide in Megakeno.

Another winning keno opportunity can be found The Station Casinos with their jumbo progressives for 6, 7, 8 and 9 spots. It could possibly get high enough to see the advantage switch. While not very likely but perhaps possible is the 8-spot progressive at the Gold Coast and The Orleans if you’re the type of player that can wait for the keno jackpot to get high enough to make playing it advantageous.

When it comes to getting on these progressives, the trick is knowing how to calculate the break-even point. This is where, at a given moment in time, the house edge drops to zero due the progressive payout getting very high. Calculating this has gotten easier over the years because there are several websites that have keno calculators, one of the better ones being as Michael Shackleford’s (a well renowned gambling expert from UNLV) wizardofodds.com.

All you have to do is simply convert the keno ticket price proportionally to $1 per ticket and adjust the payouts based on a per dollar amount. After that just enter the information into the calculator and you can see the return on any given ticket. But you must keep in mind, due the long odds on a higher number of spots, you will need a large bankroll to be in the game. And remember, it’s still a gamble.

The idea is that, from time to time, opportunities do open up where a keno player can find an unusual advantage. But getting there can be a great effort and unduly stressful. For most of us, we just want to enjoy the game, get the best return for our gambling dollars and not be concerned about whether that rare  theoretical return is to our advantage or not.

I found that sweet spot with four card video keno. And the system that I use doesn’t require a fancy computer program or a lot of study. It all done for me with the keno smart charts. It’s that easy.

And that brings me back to the comps. Keno can be quite attractive when you consider the comps in with your total return. Especially using the charts that allow you to play for longer periods of time. If your bankroll lasts longer, comps are available, and you have the possibility of winning big – what more could you ask for? And no, you’re not going to make a living at it but it sure is a lot of fun.

May the good news be yours!

 

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