I have found VPfree2.com to be fairly unreliable. I used it extensively on our travels. Back then it was helpful. Not so much now.
Keeping casino vp inventories current and accurate is not an easy job, what with the proliferation of multi denomination multi game machines. Most of the work is done by volunteer casino monitors, with, at times, helpful input from other players.
I am a casino monitor, but I do not check machines each and every time I visit the casino unless I notice something obvious, i.e., a new machine, or a moved one. If someone else sees and reports an inaccuracy, I check it out and change the inventory as required. Without that help, the inventory would have remained inaccurate.
The arcades at the Jersey Shore like Jenkinson's in Pt. Pleasant have class 2 VP machines that spit out tickets for prizes. They are very old and are very strange. Odd paytables and yes, if you toss a high paying hand like a straight flush you get it back.
Casinos are always changing. Walk into any casino. There you will find many obstacles you must navigate through. They don't build those beautiful buildings out of the wallets of winners. Chances are you won't be one of them. Your best defense is knowledge, common sense and discipline. The first one is the easy part. The second seems to be in short supply and the third is rare. My advice is to treat your casino visit as you would any other entertainment decision. Some people choose to play miniature golf and some people join a country club. Neither of them is making money, both are having a good time. When you attempt to turn entertainment into a profit center, you are changing the game. It becomes work.
I looked up the Agua Caliente casino on vpFree2. Several fairly decent games are listed in the inventory. I would think that, being listed on that site, would mean they are class 3 machines (i.e., the real thing).
Interestingly, the inventory does not show 9/6 JOB as being available at less than $1 denomination. But, casino inventories on vpFree2 are often in need of updating.
The ones I was referring to are: 25c triple bonus plus (99.85%), $1 bonus poker (the 99.66% version), $1, $2, $5, $10 JOB (99.54%), and 25c and $1 regular 8/5 bonus poker (99.17%).
The ones I was referring to are: 25c triple bonus plus (99.85%), $1 bonus poker (the 99.66% version), $1, $2, $5, $10 JOB (99.54%), and 25c and $1 regular 8/5 bonus poker (99.17%).
Bonus Poker is a good game for players who have limited tolerance for bankroll swings. This game pays double your money for two pair, a very common hand. This means it has low variance. In plain talk this means you can normally play it longer with less money. The strategy is the same as Jacks or Better. I like Bonus Poker because of the 400 coin payout for 4 aces. It gives me something else to get excited about other than a rare royal flush.
If you are going to move up to dollar games, you need a much bigger bankroll. If you play dollar games with a quarter bankroll, the casino will consistently bust you. This will lead you down a dark path. You will make bad decisions that make things worse.
What you are facing is common in today's casinos. Do you play decent dollar games or play lousy quarter games? As long as the net of the odds and your comps are negative, you will lose long term either way. If the possibility of losing $10-20K or more to play better games is worth it to you, by all means play dollar VP. I don't have access to the games you do at any denomination. The reason I stick with quarters is it reduces my bankroll swings. I don't need to lose more money playing dollars. I can lose just fine sticking quarters in the machines now.
According to VPfree2.com, you have access to some dollar games that are very close to being positive. The difference will be in your comps. I suggest you spend some time talking to your player's club to find out if you are taking full advantage of them. If you can play positive VP games perfectly and you can tolerate the downturns, you may become one of the rarest of all VP players... a long term winner. Good Luck!
Sarah.W --- FloridaPhil makes a lot of good points up there but I feel it necessary to make a comment. The strategy for Bonus Poker is not exactly the same as Jacks or Better. For example, in Bonus Poker, there are multiple types of straight flush draws that would not be played the same as in Jacks or Better.
All of that being said, if you played Jacks or Better strategy PERFECTLY and applied it to Bonus Poker, your return on Bonus Poker would decrease approximately .009%. Admittedly, that's a very small number, but I think it's worth taking a look at the differences between the two strategies so you get comfortable not only with the concept of penalty cards but also setting a good foundation to strive to play each game as optimally as possible.
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