Video Poker Forum

Someone sitting at the next machine in Laughlin recently asked me about my handpay check and cash percentages. My system evolved over a period of time in response to my admitted lack of discipline in casinos.

I play almost exclusively high limits, so there are always multiple handpays per session, and some visits result in quite a few handpays.

If the handpay is under $1500 I take all cash and "reinvest" it in attempting to win larger handpays.

$1501 to $2000 I take 75% in check and 25% in cash.

$2001 and up --- depending on where I am in my session I take approximately 80% in check and the rest in cash. However, if it is early in the session I might take slightly more in cash. Later in the session I might take slightly more in check. If it is a session-ending handpay, (walk-off home run) then of course I take it all in check.

I have found that having a system such as this in place where the perimeters are already established increases the forced discipline of not giving my handpays back to the casino. And, of course, cardinal rule #1 is that I never, never, never cash one of my casino checks back to the casino, even if I run totally out of cash.

The period of time between when the jackpot is hit and the attendant arrives is my time to stop and catch my breath, review the system, consider my cash position, and then be prepared to tell the attendant on the spot exactly what my breakdown will be.

Do other players have a similar discipline-enforcing cash-check system???

Considering that my play is evenly split between quarters, halves and dollars - I only get one or two handpays a year. I always ask for a check. The one time I didn't was when a $2000 royal bailed out my worst ever session. I took the cash and gave every cent back. I have never been so ashamed of myself in a casino.

rascal my dad used to get his handpays in a check and right away he'd then put them into an envelope and mail them back to himself at home. A couple days after getting back home the envelopes would start arriving.

I think any money management system that keeps you from giving back your winnings is a good thing.  Judging from the level of your play, I would guess you already know this.   The problem most players have is not knowing how to manage their money.  Playing forever hoping that your edge will bail you out is Russian Roulette with a video poker machine.

If the wife is with me that day, I give her all the jackpot money to hold ( there aren't many to worry about anyway). If I am by myself, I do take the cash, but separate those winnings from that day's stake. Clip or money belt for instance. If I blow the original stake for the day, all except a time or two which I have since regretted, the jackpot money goes home. The biggest problem I and I am sure others have is that after a day off or so, you can't wait to get back up there and try your luck again. More often than not, the next session is a dud.