Video Poker where to play VP on the strip?

Yeah, all video poker in Nevada is just a random poker deck being spit out at you. The only thing that helps you "win more" on a downtown bartop compared to the Strip is that they tend you pay you at least extra 5 quarters (if you play quarters) per full house (and sometimes the flush) you hit. It doesn't seem like a lot, but it does add up, and helps you play longer on a given stake.

Getting the big paying hands is all about being in the right place at the right time. The better paying games just let you stick around longer to hopefully hit the big one. As for the strip, I often played a lot at Casino Royale because they used to have 98.91% Deuces there; they got rid of it recently. But did I win there when they had those machines? Nah. I never hit 4 Deuces or a Royal there...

Venetian is okay, not great in terms of paytables. I play at their sportsbook a lot because it's a great place to watch games, and they do have Sierra Nevada in bottles. But if you want to max bet video poker, you have to play either 3-play quarters, or 1-play dollars there. Not sure about other bars in the casino.

Never bothered to play Harrah's. I assume paytables are similar to sister properties.

 

I actually think that's fair that they want you to play max bet to comp drinks. Sometimes when it's crowded and hard to get a seat at the bar and you see people playing one quarter on keno or something, it can be irritating.

 

I agree, you never know where you're going to win. Usually we don't do very well playing VP at Golden Nugget but last trip I was on a winning streak and practically every hand was a full house (didn't get a Royal but it was fun).

 

Generally though, VP bars on the strip won't be very occupied during times when your DH will be at the conference. Also if you tip well from the get go, max bets aren't always necessary depending on where you play/your bartender. If I am looking to drink for cheap, I'll start out max betting and tip good on the first drink. And if I'm not feeling it, move down to 1 credit. If I'm worried he'll complain about me not betting max, I'll bump it back up to 5 for a refill...lol I have only been asked to bet more than one credit once in 7 trips in the past 2 years on the Strip. I often will bet 1 because this lowers my hourly expected loss on crappy strip machines. If I hit a Royal on 1 credit, that's a risk I'll take, but it's the price I might have to pay to be ultra-cheap...lol I would never recommend betting 2, 3, or 4 credits though. Of course, it sounds like you want a chance to win BIG, so in that case, you obviously have to bet max.

 

Then you have me that don't want well crap so I don't play max. Quarter at a time.

 

Why do you play at the bar then? More social area? Looking to get hit on by hookers? lol If it's Gustav's, maybe a good view of the table game dancers? Fwiw, I get great service there and don't always bet max either. I'm generally at a bar for faster drinks myself. Drinks on the floor are often too slow for my liking.

And looking at your calendar could play nickel super times pay poker at Planet Hollywood that has better paytables than the bars. And you only have to play one line if you use the touch screen.

 

You're right - I don't want to take a chance on playing one quarter and getting a Royal. If I'm really down and know I should stop playing but I'm not quite ready to throw the towel in, sometimes I'll go play Deuces Wild Bonus on nickels.

 

I'd rather go someplace where the drinks are only a couple of bucks and not have to feel forced to max bet to get free drinks. Those free drinks can get really expensive when the VP goes cold (as they seem to do).

Like others have said, there isn't a big difference in bartop VP paytables on the Strip so go where you want to play or where the drinks are cheap. Maybe play somewhere you might want a future offer from and use your players card. You never know what the marketing dept might offer to a new card signup.

 

Guess because my wife is playing so I'm sitting with her never entered your mind.

 

apparently Wynn has a $10 new member freeplay but they don't comp drinks at the bar......I've never played in a NV casino that doesn't comp. Not that I necessarily like to drink a lot but it just seems wrong

 

Eh move to my state, and you'll get more used to it.

But yeah, Wynn is the only place in NV I have heard of not comping drinks at the bar.

 

Vp machines versus sitting at a table?

I have a question re VP. It seems to be quite popular on these boards. I have never played due to i am intimidated. And not exactly sure how it works. Is there a tutorial somewhere? Or is vp self explanatory? What would be the simplest for me.

And secondly why vp over sitting At a table? Wouldnt the table offer better odds/control? Rather than a computer?

Thanks for any help.

 

If you don't play Max, the pay on a royal is low. I couldn't stand that.

 

There are plenty of tutorials out in the interweb. My first stop would be: http://wizardofodds.com/games/video-poker/

There are probably hundreds of variations of the game, though a handful seem to dominate. I think conventional wisdom would be that Jacks or Better (JOB) would be the best way to introduce yourself to the game. However, for me, JOB isn't exciting enough - I like something with more variance, like Double Double Bonus Poker (DDB). Read up, put in a little practice time on a few different variations and see which game - if any - holds your interest. Then try to learn the strategy for whichever games you like.

With regards to the house advantage of VP versus table games...a case can be made for either one being the better game. I'd imagine that the average VP machine has a significantly higher HA than the average BJ, craps or baccarat table. But, it is possible to find VP games that actually return over 100%. That's something that's not possible with table games unless you're a skilled card counter. But it is somewhat difficult to compare VP with most table games because VP has much higher variance but you play for much lower stakes (per hand).

My argument for video poker: what table game gives you the opportunity to win $4000 on a $5 bet while still offering you a relatively low house edge?

 

I used to play blackjack but I just got hooked on VP. And the minimum bet for blackjack is higher than it used to be. So if you find a $5 table (which is probably very low and HTF for Vegas strip), it will be $5 per hand. Quarter VP is $1.25 per hand (although it does go faster than a table game).
We keep saying we should play tables again (also liked Roulette for a while) but as they say, 25-cent VP is the crack cocaine of gambling.

 

Thank u very much for taking time to explain and for a link. I have some days left to check and learn. And to see if its for me

 

However, video blackjack often has a lower minimum than table games. But then again, the rules in bar video blackjack can be so bad that bar VP can be a better alternative. My favorite CET casino, the Quad, is a good example. No double down, period. And blackjack pays even money (very common). But it depends on the casino. Last time I went to Mandalay Bay, I played video blackjack for $1 per play because it was my best choice as all video poker was $1 per credit with meh paytables. I got a Lagunitas IPA comped while winning $5 and listened to a non-gambler pay $57 for 4 drinks for him and his crew...before tip...seriously. He was in shock. I kept to myself and smirked.

Looking at your calendar, if you are staying at palms, I would consider looking at their "full-pay" deuces wild machines for quarters. Especially if you are NOT eligible for that "New Member Loss Promo". I say that because the "full-pay" deuces are NOT eligible for promotions, and only give 1/4th of the normal player points. However, the machine pays 100.76% with flawless play with a 5 quarter bet, hence the restrictions on comps and promotions.

The location is listed here:
http://www.vpfree2.com/casino/palms

The strategy is listed here:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/video-poker/strategy/deuces-wild/full-pay/optimal/

 

Last week Aria 9/5 DDB $1 level....97.97% I believe. Nice bar, great bartenders, great drinks!




http://wizardofodds.com/games/video-poker/tables/double-double-bonus/

 

I would recommend against playing video poker if you have never played it. In the past you could find pretty good odds, but lately the odds have gotten worse and worse. Add in the variance and it can be a very addictive quick drain with zero social interaction.

Blackjack and Craps offer better odds on the strip with lower variance and more social aspect.

I would choose VP vs. Slots, but not vs. BJ or Craps. For roulette I'd almost call it a draw.

 

The plus side of Wynn/Encore video poker is that on the floor (where drinks are free) they have some 8/6 Bonus Deluxe, which is a pretty damn good game. Variance between JOB and DDB and 98.49% payback. Most of the strip is 6/5 for bonus deluxe.