| Las Vegas, of course, is a "buyer's market" for gamblers. There is intense marketing competition among the property owners to boost shares. The Chicago-area is still a "seller's market". We have as much of a chance at seeing a similar promotion around here as we do getting a money back guarantee when we play! Try this the next time you play a multi-line video slot: Instead of jumping right in with $1.35 per play (nine lines X three coins per line), alternate playing one coin per line, two coins per line, three coins per line, and so on. Using this system, you will spend forty-five cents on the first play in the sequence (nine coins), ninety-cents on the second play (18 coins) and $1.35 on the third play (27 coins) for a three-play expense of $2.70. Compare that with three straight three-coins-per-line plays, or a $4.05 cash outlay. You're still giving yourself every chance to win and at the same time you're making your bankroll stretch while subjecting it to less exposure to the hefty house advantage. Once you establish this type of wagering pattern, you'll see your playing time increase and hopefully your chances to reach an amount that'll be worth cashing out. One other thing to keep in mind when playing multi-line, multi-coin video slots is to remember that you are not a slave to the push buttons on the cabinet that activate coins played per line. I have seen some buttons start with the usual one, two, and three coins, then jump to five, 10 and even 15 or more. If you want to play, for example, four coins per line and can't find the corresponding button, just look for the touch feature on the video screen itself. It can be found near the bottom of the screen. In most cases you'll be able to play the number of coins per line that's comfortable for you without being intimidated into thinking you have to bet more. This one's a no-brainer. The only casinos in the Chicago-area that have these machines are the Trump and Majestic Star. I'm not particularly a fan of the multi-line video slot machine versions because they pack a high "hold" percentage, and the rate at which people play them can really eat up a bankroll in a hurry. These games are much better to play in Las Vegas where the market is much more competitive. But, they are fun to play. If you're so inclined, Gary is the place to go. The penny multi-play video poker machines also available at Trump and Majestic Star are a much better gamble. Nickel Games First, two casinos I would not recommend you play at: The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin and the Horseshoe Casino Hammond. These casinos cater to a higher-end slot market and the reduced inventory of nickel machines they do have, as compared to the competition in this area, inflates the "hold" percentage. Harrah's East Chicago and Trump and Majestic Star both pack large inventories of nickel multi-line machines. What's more, they're bringing in the newest games and they give you the most choices. More machines mean you have a better chance of finding higher-percentage payers. Argosy's Empress Casino & Hotel Joliet and Harrah's Joliet each have a large inventory of nickel games, but the product they offer is getting old. They are badly in need of some of the new games that are coming into the market. Hollywood Casino in Aurora has brought in some (Wild Bear Salmon Run and Turkey Shoot), but they're few and far between. Not so long ago this was a very elite denomination reserved for the high roller slot player. It has become more popular among average players in recent years, even to the extent that they can be found outside the "high limit" areas of casinos. The two casinos in the Chicago area that place a high premium on them are the Horseshoe and the Grand Victoria. Both properties have large five-dollar slot inventories. A bigger selection means that players have a better chance to find higher-end payers. |
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