Video Poker Forum

Well here we have it ~

Greetings,

               A basic definition of a VLT can be found on Wikipedia.com stating, “A VLT is similar to a slot machine, except that it is connected to a centralized computer system that determines the outcome of each wager using a random number generator. Although the outcome of each wager is random, VLT operators are able to program in advance the total amount and number of payouts that its central computer system will allow at its connected VLTs. In this manner, VLTs can be thought of as computerized scratch-off lottery tickets.”

These machines are different from those you will find in Atlantic City and Nevada as the outcome in an Atlantic City or Nevada casino is determined by a random number generator in each game as opposed to the centralized computer system found in a VLT location connecting several games. Also, in Atlantic City or Nevada, operators are not able to program the total number of payouts for each game, but instead can minimally control the payback percentage over the lifetime of the game, which is regulated by the presiding Gaming Authority and usually around 98%. This type of gaming, usually referred to as Class III, is not legal in all states and therefore not present in Maryland where the lottery is legal so you have machines mimicking those of Class III gaming, but in fact act as a scratch off card because each pull of the lever on a VLT is another card.

Thank you for contacting the IGT Support Center.

It seems like there is some misinformation that you received from the IGT service center and I wanted to reply to clarify.  This is unfortunate since IGT manufactured the games.
I think you’ll be happy to know that all of the slot machines in Maryland are true Class III commercial slots, the same class of slot machines that you’d find in Atlantic City or Las Vegas.   Hollywood Casino, Perryville offers 65 video poker games, 52 of which are Action Gaming (multi-hand) type games.  I can also tell you that Hollywood Casino in Perryville, MD requested and received waivers so that all our video poker games can offer paytables with payback exceeding 95%.   We operate at a 67% tax rate here in MD, so we won’t be offering full pay games.   That said, our paytables are generally consistent with what you’d find in in Atlantic City and I think our selection of progressives and multi-hand games is some of the best!  
In April is a great time to check out our video poker in Perryville.  We are offering a $1,000 slot dollar bonus when a player hits a hand pay jackpots for a Natural Royal (no jokers).   
I hope this helps.
John S.
VP of Operations – Hollywood Casino – Perryville
 

You said it all 67% take rate lol. Also 95% return on VP machines are the 6-5 and 7-5 paytables. Its the same junk at Dover Downs. Atlantic City has much better VP machines,yes they have some bad ones also but for those informed about pay tables you can find some decent ones in AC but not at Dover or MD.
  Also Dover Downs crowds are getting smaller and it will in MD after the newnice wears off and folks are tired of getting rapped by those poor pay tables.
 
 95% you said that like it was good lmfao

Amen buggagene - I play from time to time in Ocean City, Md, Harrington and Dover andkick myself on the way home for going back there.  The machines are not individually programmed and feed off a main computer and it is like buying a scratch ticket each time you hit the deal button.  My best suggestion if you just have to play these scratch off casinos is to just mail them a check and save your time and gas money. 

I think if you are playing a 6/5 Jacks or Better Machine, it's fairly unlikely that it's rigged as well.

Also, I assume that 67% tax rate is applied to the 5% or so margin. Hence, for 3 dollars they make, they only keep 1. In Maryland it sounds like the tax rates are the reason for lower pays.

Random awful luck itself feels a lot like rigging, but then so does getting amazing hand dealt after amazing hand. I'd go with the benefit of the doubt and say that you're playing a fair machine and the reason you are losing is because you simply don't have an advantage. For every $1.25 you play, you can expect $1.1875 back. Replaying on that math about 96 times would reduce your $1.25 to a penny. (that's a theoretical illustration designed to show how the money goes away, not an actual experience you can expect to occur).