Ameristar 4x points - slots question
 

Ok

I'm the first to admit that I know $@$#$$ diddly about slots.

So I have some 4x points bonus offer from Ameristar. Its a one day offer.

--

So if I am going to pump money through slots.

How do I pick the slots with the best return?

And then am I building up comp points?

Thanks...

Video poker is the way to go.

Is there a cheat sheet table on the correct way to play?

e.g. like Basic Strategy in Blackjack.

Something printable etc?

Strategy varies, depending on the specific video poker game.

LINK to wizard of odds VP strategy section.

Is VP going to be slower than slots if I am just trying to ram through to get max coin in?

I can have a friend and I together to make sure we do the strategy right.

and then I guess...is it even worth it to coin in on a company like Ameristar vs McHarrahs?

Theoretical Loss
 

Slot points key off of "theoretical loss." That is how much a player is likely to lose over a period of play. Points give back a percentage of theoetical loss. If you must play slots, go for a machine with the highest possible progressive Jackpot. The theoretical loss in the formula the casino uses will be the same for that machine and the one next to it with a lower progressive. The suggestions to play Vvdeo poker are misleading as VP gives you less points per dollar coin in as the player's theoretical loss is lower.

I wouldn't necessarily say misleading, but there is no transparency in playing slots. With regard to point multipliers (of which I've been involved in quite a few in Atlantic City) --- the ultimate goal is to basically have a +EV situation (or as close to a +EV situation) as possible. That is an impossibility with slots, as the hold is just to high on even the best of machines.

The only way to take advantage of a points multiplier to play full pay (or best available) VP with the multiplier.

Any other play, is basically worthless (especially slots), as you will potentially be gambling way more $$$ than can be offset by the comps/points x multiplier.

Of course, if slots is what you consider good entertainment, and you were going to play anyway, might as well play when you have a points multiplier. ;)

You are correct if the VP player is an expert. If the VP player is just guessing, then he might be as well off, maybe better, playing slots. With VP the player tends to lose and lose, eventually getting even with the royals. Playing the hands correctly and fast is the key.

At what point does slot and VP become +EV?

eg. now there i a new offer of x7 points. I have to then calculate how many points I can convert into cash and at rate right?

So its lose lose lose lose play every hand fast and correct and then hit the royal?

Video Poker
 

With the exception of SOME wins along the way, yes. Ameristar gives you $5 for 600 points. Seven times seems like a fairly good deal. The trouble is that Ameristar EC's video poker machines are not "full-pay," e.g. 9/6 JOB so the odds are against you.

If you did not understand the above, go to video poker websites and don't play until you know how to select the better paying machines and have learned the strategy for that machine.

So a royal is every 40,000 hands. So I am guessing that this is going to require more than 8 - 10 hours that I was willing to commit.

Also lack of 9/6 pretty much makes it not worth it, right?

Is Ameristar 8/5 then?

Even if you just play video poker with common sense, if you choose a good pay table it has a better return than slots. Even if you never hit a royal it has a better return than slots.

QL

Return vs. point accrual
 

The above statement is correct as to the financial results, but not as to point accrual. The percentage of point accrual per dollar coin-in is greater with slots than VP. You have to decide your priority.

You do usually earn 2-3x the points with reel slots, but the house advantage is commensurately higher so it's a false economy.

QL