Video Poker VP @ PHo

I've traditionally thrown $100 in a slot machine when I need a break from the tables. Based on what I've read on VMB, I'm planning on switching to VP for my next trip. VPfree2 lists three games on their site for PHo: 99.54% JOB ($5 and up), 98.45% JOB ($1 and up, and 98.01% BP (25¢ and up). I'll probably play at the 25¢ or 50¢ level, so it would appear that BP would be my choice. I'm wondering if the info on vpfree2 is comprehensive, i.e. all other games at any denomination would have an expected return of less than 98%? Thanks...

 

Quite simply, no. It's not always comprehensive. For some properties it is, but for most it's hit and miss.

 

Thanks Mike, I figured that was probably the case. Anyone have any info specific to PHo? Any games other than BP that are at least 98% return at the sub-dollar level?

 

I was there last week and didn't see any. They had parts of the casino off limits at times since they were filming a movie that blocked off a lot of the VP machines by the escalators going down to the lobby.
Mark

 

i love playing VP @ PHo..... If you goto the one by the sportsbook, most of the bartenders are kick ass...

 

Cool....that brings me to another question: vpfree2 lists the location of 98.01% BP as "many banks". Will I also be able to get that same return at the bartops? I would much rather play at a bar than a bank of machines on the floor.

 

I'm assuming the 98% return you saw is 7/5 BP. It's 6/5 at the bars now so those paytables must be on the floor.

 

7/5 Bonus w/Super Times Pay (98.29% - 6 credits per hand)
9/5 Double Double Bonus w/Super Times Pay (98.14% - 6 credits per hand)

The extra credit from the traditional max bet is for a randomly generated multiplier (2,3,4,5,8, or 10X) given every 15 rounds on average. It increases the overall return of the game by ~0.28%, so it's worth playing, imo.

These are four machines that are labeled "Super Times Pay Poker" (STP) next to the live poker room. These games will not be at the bar unfortunately (my dream), so you'll need to build a rapport with a cocktail waitress. I didn't check PHo's bars this month, but likely their best game is 7/5 Triple Bonus Plus (97.67% - max bet) just like Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, and Quad. Bonus will be 6/5 (96.87% - max bet); JoB likely 7/5 (96.15% - max bet).

The STP units are either 3/5/10 play (your option). These paytables are available for either nickels, dimes, or quarters I think. You don't have to play all the hands to make the max bet per hand either, so you can play 98%+ VP for as cheap as 30c a deal. Or you could 3-play nickels for 90c a round, 3-play dimes for $1.80 a round, 1-play quarters for $1.50 a round, and many other combinations. If you don't play max hands though, be careful not to press the "Max Bet" button on the machine.

I was on an STP hunt this last trip (2 weeks ago) and PHo was a very pleasant surprise vs. most of the CET empire with regards to STP. Be warned, these games got me readdicted to video poker again. I find them a lot more fun than standard video poker.

 

Awesome info, thanks!

 

So I found an online STP game and played for a few hours....man, you are right about that game being ADDICTIVE! I think the roles may be reversed for me on my next trip (taking a break from STP to go play some tables!)

 

Uh oh, what did I do here. :evillaugh

I tried to warn you...lol I didn't mean to change your gaming plans this trip though... Blackjack and craps pass line is still better than this game math wise, and more social.

If you are playing the free game at videopoker.com, it will give you a good idea how the game will play for DDB. But do note, the free game is 9/6 DDB (99.26%) while the machines at PHo are 9/5 DDB (98.14%). It may not seem like a big deal, but every flush hit, it becomes 5 less nickels, quarters, or whatever unit you play and does add up.

I did find 9/6 DDB w/STP on the strip this last trip too (Luxor), but it's a dollar a credit.

 

No worries, the table games I play are 3 card and crazy 4, so you've IMPROVED my odds, if anything!