I need your expert opinion

[Dynomite]

Okay, I love Video Poker and I play Deuces Wild at local racinos in the NY Metro area -- and I have a question. Do the casino owners make conscious decisions to increase or decrease the frequency of nice payouts on VP machines when there's new competition in town?

Here's why I ask. When the Yonkers Raceway Casino opened up about 6 years ago, the frequency of nice payouts on VP were reasonable. I even hit four deuces on the Deuces Wild game twice. Then, as the years went by, they became stingier and stingier and I was lucky to get anything more than 3 of a kind -- until recently. That is, ever since a new and very popular Racino opened up close by (Resorts World in Queens) about 18 months ago, I've noticed that Yonkers is offering reasonable payouts again. I've been hitting on some nice hands in recent months. Any educated thoughts on my scenario?

Thank you!

[Vman96]

You're playing at a NY racino. They do not offer video poker from a random deck to begin with. I would personally avoid playing this. Slot machines will pay back just as much money, and skill is no factor in the game.

[Dynomite]

Thank you Vman. Actually I am aware that NY State VP machines are basically the same as playing a scratch off ticket but my question remains. Just like the makers of scratch offs can make probabilities high or low, do you think the powers that be in New York switch up the probabilities of their VP machines when there's new competition in town? or am I just being a tad conspiratorial?

Thanks again!

[Vman96]

Sure, they can set things however they want. More competition will probably give them incentive to loosen machines. Some of the worst casino experiences/payouts are those with little or no competition nearby in my experience.