Video poker calculator

Discuss proper hold strategies and "advantage play" and ask questions about how to improve your play.
James482980
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Video poker calculator

Post by James482980 »

Does anyone know if video poker calculator is allowed inside casino? Are there any good? Is using it profitable?

olds442jetaway
Video Poker Master
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Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:08 pm

Post by olds442jetaway »

I’m not sure what you mean by calculator. The Wizard of odds has one that can calculate odds/frequencies of certain hands and he also has stats for various pay tables. None of these things could be considered cheating

James482980
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Post by James482980 »

Yeah, exactly like it. I was thinking about using some kind of application calculator on my phone. Thank you olds442jetaway.

Waiting4RF
VP Veteran
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Post by Waiting4RF »

Using an app on your phone in the casino where you put in your dealt hand to determine the correct hold could be considered cheating. I have seen people doing this in casinos. I don't mind unless they are on a machine I want to play. They play slow and won't be leaving anytime soon.

BobDancer
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Post by BobDancer »

olds442jetaway wrote:
Tue Jun 23, 2020 4:38 pm
I’m not sure what you mean by calculator. The Wizard of odds has one that can calculate odds/frequencies of certain hands and he also has stats for various pay tables. None of these things could be considered cheating
I don't think that's right.

In Nevada, using any electronic device to help you play a game is a felony. The WOO app would likely qualify. I have never seen it prosecuted --- and I've been in the loop information-wise for decades and if there were such cases I almost certainly would have heard about it --- but it technically could be prosecuted.

On GWAE, attorney Bob Nersesian has said that if someone is ever prosecuted for that he would not want to represent them. The case is cut and dried --- against the player. That's not the kind of cases he's interested in.

olds442jetaway
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Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:08 pm

Post by olds442jetaway »

Interesting. In my starement, I was referring to using the calculator to learn how to play, not using it in the middle of a game in the casino. I haven’t researched the law in Ct., but now I am interested to see what it is. My feeling is if you are not tampering with a machine, it shouldn’t be considered cheating, but maybe they feel differently. Anyway, I will try and research it more.

olds442jetaway
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Post by olds442jetaway »

What I read so far in the statutes, seems to refer to altering the outcome of a gaming device. Not being a lawyer, I will not comment further on ecactly what they mean by that. I will just say this. If deciding which cards to hold is considered to be altering the outcome of a game of chance, then every hand one plays could be interpreted that way. I would suggest a player who is not sure to discuss the above with the local gaming commission who are on site in the casino and also casino management. Really all a vp calculator does is teach one how to play the game properly. It does not alter the inner workings of the machine.

Vman96
Video Poker Master
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Post by Vman96 »

olds442jetaway wrote:
Fri Jun 26, 2020 2:04 am
What I read so far in the statutes, seems to refer to altering the outcome of a gaming device. Not being a lawyer, I will not comment further on ecactly what they mean by that. I will just say this. If deciding which cards to hold is considered to be altering the outcome of a game of chance, then every hand one plays could be interpreted that way. I would suggest a player who is not sure to discuss the above with the local gaming commission who are on site in the casino and also casino management. Really all a vp calculator does is teach one how to play the game properly. It does not alter the inner workings of the machine.
See #4.

NRS 465.075  Use or possession of device, software or hardware to obtain advantage at playing game prohibited.  It is unlawful for any person to use, possess with the intent to use or assist another person in using or possessing with the intent to use any computerized, electronic, electrical or mechanical device, or any software or hardware, or any combination thereof, which is designed, constructed, altered or programmed to obtain an advantage at playing any game in a licensed gaming establishment or any game that is offered by a licensee or affiliate, including, without limitation, a device that:

1.  Projects the outcome of the game;

2.  Keeps track of cards played or cards prepared for play in the game;

3.  Analyzes the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game; or

4.  Analyzes the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game,

except as may be made available as part of an approved game or otherwise permitted by the Commission.


It's clearly illegal in Nevada to use an electronic VP analyzer unless the commission expressly permits it. But as Bob said, I've never heard of a prosecution. I wouldn't think it would be worth the cost to prosecute. Also not worth the probable negative PR over it.

FYI, most states are more vague about strategy software. Nevada classified this law early last decade.

olds442jetaway
Video Poker Master
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Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:08 pm

Post by olds442jetaway »

Yes the Ct statutes are not that specific. But the Nevada one is pretty clear. So I guess it is ok to have a fantastic knowledge of paytables, strategy, memory, etc that you, Bob, and some others of us here have learned on our own through books, software, or other means, but not to double check something with an electronic device. Very strange, but if it is on the books, it is on the books.

James482980
Forum Newbie
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Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2020 4:39 am

Post by James482980 »

Wow!
olds442jetaway, BobDancer and mostly Vman96 thank you all for your commitment to answer my question. That was very throught explanation :). Vman96, thank you for finding the exact legal point in the regulations. So I guess Video Poker Calculator just for online gambling or somewhere else than Nevada :)

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